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Originally posted by fennek77
string theory
nanotech
jet engines
110 floors
You'd think we'd have made more progress into space?
Its like were stuck in the shallow end of a pool holding onto the edge
Is there honestly hundreds of hurdles in the way preventing further expansion?
It just seems like a slow process, one exclusive to Govt missions and generally speaking are show-pony events for tax payers?
Is the debate for NASA to recieve more funding?
Is it an issue of public involvement (commerical space)?
Is there something else behind this? (ufo cough)
Does it cost too much for our govt to speed up the process?
or is part of the program under 'black ops' category for security reasons?
originally posted by fennek77:
Is there honestly hundreds of hurdles in the way preventing further expansion?
Is the debate for NASA to recieve more funding?
Is it an issue of public involvement (commerical space)?
Is there something else behind this? (ufo cough)
Does it cost too much for our govt to speed up the process?
or is part of the program under 'black ops' category for security reasons?
Source
Under this initiative, private companies across Europe already involved in planning activities for space tourism are invited to submit their space tourism plans.
ESA's General Studies Programme will select up to three of the proposals for further study. Each selected company will receive 150,000 Euro to further develop their plans. A team of experts from ESA's Launchers Directorate, who are involved in the development of the technologies for the next generation launcher, will manage the selected studies and share their expertise with the companies.
The aim of the study will be to critically review the spacecraft design and mission profiles, ensuring they are technically feasible, and develop sound business plans in order to allow companies to approach potential investors. An interesting aspect of the study will be to define the experiences the space tourists can expect, such as how much time they will spend in weightlessness, how much training they will need and how fit they need to be.