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.
