TT #7 – HOW TO GET INTO SPACE
Posted by anthonynorth on April 16, 2008
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What’s on today: A post inspired by the Thursday Thirteen meme. Click Eye On the World for my current affairs.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE WRITE WAY
INTRODUCTION
THursday THirteen #7 coming up. I’ve been doing this and that in a down-to-earth sort of way, so this week I thought I’d look up and take us off the planet all together. And I mean that literally.
Today we’re going to look at how we could get into space, and also why we should do it. For one reason, we’re here, and it’s there. We don’t like being somewhere when we could be somewhere else.
COUNTDOWN
13. The first thing to realise about space exploration is it hasn’t begun yet. All we seem to do is send unmanned toys to Mars and Venus, and fly around the planet in high orbit like flies buzzing around something dead.
12. Some would say the Apollo missions were real exploration. After all, we got to the Moon, man! Sorry, it was nothing of the sort. It was simple oneupmanship – a consequence of the Cold War, and the determination to beat the Commies.
11. We SHOULD be getting out there. The urge to explore has been the crowning glory of the human race, moving out of our natural habitats in Prehistoric times, and eventually navigating the planet. We are Homo Curious, you see. We need to know!
10. But at present, it has all stopped. Maybe it’s because space is such a magnificent, terrifying leap. And because we’ve lost our courage, we’ve descended into the trivia and celebrity obsessed world of today. In other words, we’re burying our heads in the sand.
9. Another problem to space exploration proper is government. Space is run by government, but history shows they are terrible explorers. All known exploration in our history has been pushed forward by businessmen, intent on trade. Governments play catch-up.
8. For that reason, Big Biz should be looking spacewards, not fuelling our trivia obsessed society. They’re the real cowards, happy with their profits. Well, listen, Big Biz. Get the hell off of this planet!
7. Some people say space exploration is of no use to us. This is wrong. One thing that is becoming clear is that real exploration cannot be done by any single country. It would be a planetary affair. And I can think of no better impulse to bring us together more as a species. So there is an advantage. Peace.
6. The media can play its part. Every advance in our society has come due to a new idea. We need a Big Story to fuel us. So it’s time to think up a good Big Story about our planet, and its place in the Cosmos. Get us all inspired!
5. Our solar system holds wonders by the million, all waiting to be explored. Our technologists are up to the task of building adequate space vessels and closed habitats capable of providing for small colonies. The only thing holding us back is our fear.
4. And I’m not just talking about our solar system, either. Ever since the 1960s plans have been on the drawing board for innovative designs of fast and generational starships, with innovative engines, even collecting hydrogen fuel as they go to the stars.
3. Many believe faster-than-light travel is impossible because of the barrier placed by Einstein. But what we forget is Relativity is not a theory of the universe, but of man. And the best way to find out if such travel is feasible is to place an imperative on scientists to find out. I, for one, think it’s bunkum.
2. Star travel could even begin a new form of existence for man, as one of the peculiarities of such travel is that the faster you travel, the more time slows down. So if light speed was attained, a journey that seems to take years viewed from Earth, would only actually only take a matter of weeks on the ship. Hence, our new star travellers could actually live through many centuries.
1. One final barrier is the idea that man is too violent and destructive to be let loose in space. From my experience, man is never more violent than when he is bored. When he has a real mission to achieve, he excels as a human being. So, is it time for Blast-Off?
(c) Anthony North, April 2008
Robin said
That last point is quite an interesting one. Boredom as the root of all evil. Lots to ponder there, as always
.
anthonynorth said
Hi Robin,
Thanks for that. Think bored teenagers on a street corner.
SJ Reidhead said
You need to check the post I did last Saturday honoring the first human to orbit the earth.
SJR
The Pink Flamingo
anthonynorth said
Hi SJ Reidhead,
I’ll do that.
Chelle Y. said
I agree with Robin, I like that last point. When I taught high school, the kids that were always in the most trouble were the ones who did not have “anything to do.” Boredom can get you into trouble.
anthonynorth said
Hi Chelle Y,
This is so true. And it often works that way with adults, too.
pussreboots said
Unfortunately until we can build faster machines we would be asking astronauts to take the same sort of trips that folks like Magellan took. Things like: food, air, waste disposal, boredom, to name a few need addressing. Happy TT.
anthonynorth said
Hi Pussreboots,
Indeed. But when I began researching this subject many years ago, I discovered that many of them HAD been considered, and answers found, but dumped because government wasn’t interested.
Where practical measures were seen, they were amalgamated into things like nuclear submarines, which have similar long term, recyclable, survival elements built in.
On a Limb with Claudia said
I have a good friend who works for JPL. He designs and builds spaceships. It’s fascinating to speak with someone’s who’s life is space.
In the grand scheme of things, aren’t human beings already lost in space?
orneryswife said
Well, I am thinking that being trapped in a little space capsule for a few weeks would be the ultimate in boredom! Great list, though!! Happy TT!
TM
Nicholas said
You’re right about government being terrible explorers. But Big Biz will only explore if they can keep, exploit and eventually destroy what they find.
I know there have been plans for a ramjet spaceship for decades. I expect it would cost a fraction of what it takes to get one aircraft carrier launched.
anthonynorth said
Hi Orneryswife,
Thanks for that. Quite true, but I keep thinking of scores of people stuck in little sailing ships for years discovering the oceans. I guess the hardship would be worth it.
Hi Nicholas,
True, there would be problems, such as you say, but problems demand answers. In particular, such explorations would require more input than a few multi-nats, a few nations. Co-operation can be a marvellously fruitful thing – in the end.
anthonynorth said
Hi On a Limb With Claudia,
It would be interesting to speak with people undergoing present space missions and asking: are you satisfied with what you’re doing, or could we be doing much more.
SandyCarlson said
You raise a good point when you say we’ve abandoned space in favor of gossip, etc. How much other serious stuff gets put by in favor of who’s sleeping with whom? This raises the good question of why we all put up with it and who benefits from all this enforced ignorance.
Judi said
your final statement is so true. In our small office you can tell when there is not enough work – everyone starts nit picking. Idle hands/minds are the devils workshop.
Journeywoman said
Great list. I hope we get out there in my lifetime.
Bethany said
That’s really interesting. I would LOVE to visit space…can you imagine how awesome!?
Alice said
We have to keep going to Mars and Venus… after all, we need more people here and everyone knows that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. ROFLMBO. Okay… so maybe not.
Sometimes I feel sad that there is no where left on Earth where we can expand into or where there are no corrupt governments and stupid laws. I so wish I could go back into the mid 1800s to live.
Reba said
I’ll stay here on Earth, thanks… but interesting post. Bark. Whoof
anthonynorth said
Good morning Sandy,
As I see it, Big Biz got the media all sown up, so no other ideas get wide coverage. And certainly no one really benefits but them.
Hi Judi,
So very true. We need purpose.
Hi Journeywoman,
Many thanks. I hope so, too. We should, of course, already be out there, though.
Hi Bethany,
I can indeed. And I bet what I imagine doesn’t even come close to what it would be really like.
Hi Alice,
It is a strange society we’ve created – where we’re told we’re free, but no one feels they are.
Hi Reba,
And there’s certainly nothing wrong in that. Sadly, at present, there isn’t the choice on the other.
JTR3 said
When I was a kid, the teacher would hook-up the TV so that the class could watch the launch of an Appolo mission. The launch and return of the early space shuttles were cause for celebration. Today, we barely pay attention. Space exploration is not PC (“think how many hungry mouths we could feed, schools we could build,” etc.,etc). Now we have fat kids going to schools that don’t teach. I agree with all thirteen points of the countdown, especially this: Big biz should get involved, and the gov should get out.
anthonynorth said
Hi JTR3,
Indeed. Who was it who said government should be small with minimum interference? Oh yes, just about every US President.
Ha!!!
Lori said
I think it would be so cool to see Earth from space…scary, but cool:) Great list. Happy TT and thanks for stopping by.
Nancy Liedel - The Goat Rodeo said
Give our disaffected youth and bored countries something to work for. I like the idea.
Ivanhoe said
I know that most of the people are for exploring the Space, but I just cannot bear spending gazzilion of $ to do that when this money could help us here on Earth with unemployment, curing diseases, hunger, environment, etc. There are so many more important issues in my opinion then the Space…
anthonynorth said
Hi Lori,
They say it was seeing pictures of Earth from space in the 1960s that kickstarted the New Age movement. It looked all so spiritual.
Hi Nancy,
This is it. There are so many advantages regarding ourselves, other than the actual exploration.
Hi Ivanhoe,
I accept your point, but I can’t help thinking the advantages in terms of working together, etc, would help us cure many of those problems. Indeed, to do this was one of the main things that lies behind my wish that it was so.
Alex Cull said
I’m wondering whether wealthy religious organisations could raise money in the future to finance space colonies? Just thinking about historical communities such as the Pilgrim Fathers or the Quakers.
marcia v said
Would you go?
anthonynorth said
Hi Alex,
That’s an interesting question. If we think of the Raelians, for instance, what would that entail? I’m thinking on the hoof, here, and it might be a good idea, with one proviso.
No closed communities!
Hi Marcia V,
Another interesting question. Now? No, probably not. I’m half crippled with 25 years of chronic fatigue syndrome, so it would be a bit difficult. But if I’d been offered the opportunity in my youth?
You betcha!!!
storyteller said
Intriguing T-13 … and it reminds me of several ‘original’ Star Trek episodes in which the question of ‘readiness’ got raised more than 40 years ago! Hugs and blessings,
anthonynorth said
Hi Storyteller,
Science fiction used to be so prophetic. Then science seemed to begin to ridicule it.
What were they afraid of, I wonder?
Brenda ND said
Huh. Interesting points to ponder. Thanks for sharing. Happy TT!
anthonynorth said
Hi Brenda ND,
Thanks for that. You’re welcome.
she said
interesting tt!
Jennifer said
Another great TT list….. you’re so dang creative *sigh*
GLENDA said
WHEN THE SHIP IS BUILT AND PROVEN STRONG, I WILL SING A VICTORY SONG…. PACK MY BAGS AND USE THE POTTIE AND WAIL TO THE SKY, BEAM ME UP SCOTTIE!!!!!!!!!
Laura said
OH, but those lovely little fluff-rags are doing us tremendous good, aren’t they? Don’t we all need to know the latest exploits of the spoiled brats (did I really say that?!?) in Hollywood?
I like your post…really made me think about space exploration…been a while…
Happy T-13!
anthonynorth said
Hi She,
Many thanks for that.
Hi Jennifer,
Praise indeed. You’re too kind.
Hi Glenda,
Hey! Who’s the damned poet here!
But I liked it.
Hi Laura,
I do love a touch of sarcasm
Many thanks.
Chris said
Interesting post and I want to go to space before I die! Happy TT
anthonynorth said
Hi Chris,
And I hope you do. Thanks for your comment.
angelle said
Lots to think about there. Happy TT!
anthonynorth said
Hi Angelle,
Thanks for that. It’s what I try to do.
Randilin said
Great list. Personally am a big fan of what Virgin Galatic is doing. Private monies being used to get in to space, keep the countries and politics out of it.
My TT is up
http://betweentheticks.blogspot.com
anthonynorth said
Hi Randilin,
Thanks for that. It’s a small, but also great start. May the idea grow.
Rohit Soans said
Space may be the final frontier, but i think we need to do more to explore our own planet. I want to cruise the marinara trench just as bad as I want to see space. Just a thought, great post though. Rohit Soans
anthonynorth said
Hi Rohit Soans,
I cannot disagree with that. We need to do both. And amazingly, habitat technology would be very similar.
Candy Minx said
Hi anthony, some very interesting arguments for space exploration. I saw a program last week, for the life of me I can’t remember the name of it…but they had all kinds of reasons for exploration and it focused on plans to go to Mars. The main reason is that arguments for evidence of life and we may find more life.
Perhaps we could use other planets or asteroids to grow food on since we are approachign a dangerous food shortage according to some studies?
Hey fun idea for a TT list…I am slow today getting around but here is my TT list for this week:
13 Favourite Female
alisonwonderland said
interesting TT! when i was a little girl, i wanted to be an astronaut. i still am fascinated by space.
anthonynorth said
Hi Candy Minx,
Thanks for your comment. I’m sure that once we get out there, they’d find 1001 way to improve life and everything, for us on Earth, too.
Hi Alisonwonderland,
It is a facinating subject, indeed.
Robot Cartoons said
“From my experience, man is never more violent than when he is bored.”
This is reason enough for me to blast off into space. Why waste our time blowing each other up and arguing about whose imaginary friends are better when there resources and knowledge to be had in the depths of space?
anthonynorth said
Hi Robot Cartoons,
Welcome. You said it well.
Susan Helene Gottfried said
Hey, Anthony!
You are, of course, on a similar page to my own thinking. But I do wonder how the rise of fantasy fiction and the current obscurity of hard-line Science Fiction has affected our needs/desires to explore. I mean, back in the day, we had these amazing writers who actually predicted a lot of how our society has evolved. And then came Neuromancer and computers and VR and AI and our focus has shifted to a different type of space.
Add in the rise of The Lord of the Rings trilogy (and Harry Potter) and the popularity of these, and the focus isn’t really on hard science anymore. It’s closer to home.
So I’m wondering if a few really good hard-core science fiction writers could reignite our passion for space.
Hmmm.
anthonynorth said
Hi Susan,
A problem, indeed. We’re currently having a fascination with computers, etc, and I think society is suffering from Star Trek Fatigue. But don’t forget, the fantasy craze you seak of was caused by one director and one writer, so it can be easily overturned.
Kris said
Hi Anthony, I’m a bit confused on the concept of number two, Star travel. I’d appreciate if you could explain that to me in a bit more simpler terms, haha.
I’m not too keen on space traveling or lightspeed itself, but the idea of “time” slowing down the faster you go is a bit mind-swirling for me. I’m thoroughly interested though, which is why I’m asking because I’m sure if I don’t, it’ll continue to nag my mind.
I suppose I never paid much attention in school when they proposed theories and such, but all I’m aware at the moment that I could relate to star traveling is MPH, haha. I mean, I don’t understand how man could live for centuries out in space. Don’t mind the resources, I’m purely thinking on the time itself.
I’ve seen movies and japanese animations on space traveling, and them diving into the concept of being out in space for a few months, and it being years on Earth. It’s something that’s fascinated me, but never really quite understood.
I’d probably ask Google soon after I write this, but I simply loved your article. It makes a lot of sense for my eighteen year old, young and inexperienced mind.
Thank you in advance for reading this, and more so if you can take the time to reply.
Kris said
Ah, well .. I Googled .. and I’m really too tired to read all these articles. I’d still appreciate whatever answer you’d be able to give. I’m more curious now as to what you’d tell me.
It’s quite alright though if you’d rather say something else, as I’m sure I’ll start reading about spacetime tomorrow
Thanks for your time!
anthonynorth said
Good morning Kris,
I’m not a scientist, so my understanding is that of a layman, but as I understand it, light travels, and can only travel, at 186,000 miles per second. Now, different objects travel at different speeds in the universe, yet they would still measure this constant speed of light, regardless of how fast THEY are travelling. So, something must happen to THEM for the constant speed of light to be observed.
Relativity argues that the faster such an object travels, then the greater its mass, which slows down time to the point that it is relative to the constant speed of light. Hence, a lifeform on a faster moving object would age much slower in relative terms to an identical lifeform on a slower moving object.
I hope this helps you, and thanks for the comment.