The Beginning of the Beginning?

Earlier today Space X's  Dragon spacecraft had a very successful launch, orbit, and landing.  This is the beginning of what NASA hopes will be the private sectors' take-over of low-earth orbit so the Agency can concentrate on more distant goals, such as Mars. 

NASA needed this success.  The Agency signed a $1.6 billion contract with SpaceX, requiring the contractor to provide cargo flights to the space station using the company's Dragon capsule. Currently, SpaceX plans to fly at least 12 unmanned missions to ferry supplies to the International Space Station.

It was interesting hearing Florida's Senator Bill Nelson earlier today make the following statement:  "We've arrived at the dawn of new era of U.S. space exploration that should ensure America remains a leader.

The last time I heard from him on NASA, he was trying to resurrect the shuttle program and spouting off conservative, go-slow statements to NASA like "walk before you run." I guess he has seen the light (or the dawn) as well as a good photo op.   

If this is our future, then we are off to a pretty good start.  I am not sure if this Congress (or the next one) has the stomach to fully fund our space initiatives.  We are better at pounding sand in the Middle East as compared to sifting sand on distant moons and planets.  But maybe we too will see the light one of these days.  On this planet, sadly there is nothing new under the sun (just read the papers from 10 years ago).  Fortunately, out in space there are a lot of new things under our sun, and I hope we get a chance to explore those areas soon.

Quite a Week for Space Gawkers

It was certainly a fascinating week in terms of life on other planets and even life in other universes.  In terms of the first item, NASA announced last week that they located bacteria in California's Mono Lake that has a basic genetic structure that incorporates arsenic.  It was a surprise that life could exist with such chemistry, and caused many to wonder whether our definition of life has been too limited up to this point. 

"The definition of life has just expanded," said Ed Weiler, NASA's associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at the agency's Headquarters in Washington. "As we pursue our efforts to seek signs of life in the solar system, we have to think more broadly, more diversely and consider life as we do not know it." 

According to NASA, Mono Lake was selected for study due to its unusual chemistry, especially its high salinity, high alkalinity, and high levels of arsenic. Mono Lake has been from sources of fresh water for 50 years.

Another fascinating story in the New York Times related to a new take on the Big Bang.  Maybe it was really the Big Gasp.  British mathematician Roger Penrose believes evidence exists that two super-large black holes collided prior the Big Bang.  According to the New York Times, this challenges the current hypothesis that nothing existed before the Big Bang.  Of course, I am pretty sure that this could fit into other theories.  For instance, arguments have been going on for years as to whether the universe will continue to expand outwards and die a cold death like embers in the abandoned campfire, or will eventually collapse back onto itself due to gravity and start the process all over again. Could this be that echo?

I should also add that this theory does not appear to be a breaking story, though it may have rolled across the newpaper's desk just recently.  For instance, Australia was reporting on this more than three years ago.  And the idea itself was presented by Professor Penrose in 2005 - here is the lecture.  Is this also an echo?

And while the story was not all that clear in the recent article, a little more review of this matter indicates the theory relies on black holes basically cannibalizing the entire universe to the point that it resets itself.  To me at least, that is even more fascinating than a universe collapsing onto itself. 

Whatever the case, I find it all amazing to read about.  While I love to read science fiction for the pure enjoyment of new ideas, the regular scientific papers are doing their part to keep this strange universe of ours endlessly enchanting.

December 7 Update:  Not everyone is happy with NASA's announcement of arsenic-based life.   Take a look at Slate's article "This Paper Should Not Have Been Published."