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> which will almost certainly be used on any crewed mission to Mars. This is interesting. I hadn't seen anything about NASA plans to get humans to Mars requiri

by sq_ 7y ago

> which will almost certainly be used on any crewed mission to Mars. This is interesting. I hadn't seen anything about NASA plans to get humans to Mars requiring nuclear-thermal propulsion. Does NASA even currently have a serious plan for Mars missions with the whole Artemis thing going on?

ceejayoz 7y ago
They branded Artemis as part of a larger "Moon to Mars" plan, with logo and all. https://www.nasa.gov/moontomars/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomars/
- sq_ 7y ago
  Interesting. I'm kinda down on Artemis overall, as it seems like the whole thing is getting bogged down in political maneuvering, as usual. NASA keeps saying it's more than boots on the ground, but all the plans they announce seem to be boots on the ground or overly complicated paths to the surface meant to please contractors. This gem of a line from this week's Orbital Index kinda sums up why I'm preparing for disappointment: >"Meanwhile, contractors (cough Boeing? cough) are pushing for the Gateway plan to be nixed in favor of… The Exploration Upper Stage, a large interplanetary upper stage (launched on SLS Block 1B) in development by (wait for it) Boeing." Boeing and the SLS have taken forever already, and the version that may launch soonish isn't even the "real" SLS.
  - ceejayoz 7y ago
    I'm skeptical of any human exploration plans NASA has beyond 2-4 years or so. Anything more and the next President winds up nixing it to put their own stamp on things. My money's on a commercial program like they one they've been doing for ISS resupply.
    - sq_ 7y ago
      > My money's on a commercial program like they one they've been doing for ISS resupply. Fully agree. If I had to bet right now, I would guess that SpaceX will get humans to the moon before NASA does. They’re moving so quickly on Starship and seem extremely determined to prove their new rocket.

by sq_ 7y ago

ceejayoz 7y ago

They branded Artemis as part of a larger "Moon to Mars" plan, with logo and all. https://www.nasa.gov/moontomars/ https://www.nasa.gov/moontomars/

sq_ 7y ago
Interesting. I'm kinda down on Artemis overall, as it seems like the whole thing is getting bogged down in political maneuvering, as usual. NASA keeps saying it's more than boots on the ground, but all the plans they announce seem to be boots on the ground or overly complicated paths to the surface meant to please contractors. This gem of a line from this week's Orbital Index kinda sums up why I'm preparing for disappointment: >"Meanwhile, contractors (cough Boeing? cough) are pushing for the Gateway plan to be nixed in favor of… The Exploration Upper Stage, a large interplanetary upper stage (launched on SLS Block 1B) in development by (wait for it) Boeing." Boeing and the SLS have taken forever already, and the version that may launch soonish isn't even the "real" SLS.
- ceejayoz 7y ago
  I'm skeptical of any human exploration plans NASA has beyond 2-4 years or so. Anything more and the next President winds up nixing it to put their own stamp on things. My money's on a commercial program like they one they've been doing for ISS resupply.
  - sq_ 7y ago
    > My money's on a commercial program like they one they've been doing for ISS resupply. Fully agree. If I had to bet right now, I would guess that SpaceX will get humans to the moon before NASA does. They’re moving so quickly on Starship and seem extremely determined to prove their new rocket.