Obama considering collaboration between NASA and Defense Department

Why are we all acting like Mr. Meowgi isn't in this thread?

 

He is in it? Maybe someone can give me a clue.

I don't know how much validity there is to this and what it might mean to NASA, but I'm a big supporter of manned space flight, as most know here. I also prefer civilian control over our space program, flaws and all. There needs to be reform, but I wouldn't want it handed over to the Pentagon, that's for sure. Cooperation? Of course.

One thing for certain... if we depend on Putin to keep the space station manned, we're out of our ever lovin' minds. And considering what it has cost, and is costing, to build, and what it represents, man's continuing presence in space, leaving it up there empty is not acceptable.

 

They have their own lift vehicles now.

 

Sure, it will help with perception and budget. But from a design and cost standpoint, it's just more of the same.

Also - the two sides pretty much can't stand working with each other.

 

Well the Russians kept Mir going for years that way. Although in their case I think it was turnips and duct tape.

 

The spirit of Mr. Meowgi can never be banned!

 

No, nothing that sophisticated. I just couldn't remember who it was, though I knew he was gone. Kinda missed the opportunity to hear a rant about what a travesty this would be.

This will be a landmark in the weaponization of space, I believe.

 

This is what I'm wondering about most. Obama repeatedly promised during the campaign that he wouldn't weaponize space. This *seems* to be a step in the opposite direction.