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space (spās) n. 1. space beyond the atmosphere of the earth.

prag·ma·tism (prgm-tzm) n. A way of approaching situations or solving problems that emphasizes practical applications and consequences.

Monday, May 02, 2005

Whole Bag o' Stuff

Okay, I have been really busy with our first build, so I haven't posted much last week. So here is a summary of a bunch of stuff I have been thinking about.

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate Elon Musk and all the crew at SpaceX for the Responsive Small Spacelift (RSS) launch services contract from the Air Force. I like the idea of fast, quick, and cheap launches. I guess DOD did too. Wonder where NASA is......

The Space Access Conference was last week in phoenix. I didn't go, as my very young children are tired of traveling after moving 3 times in 4 years. But Rand Simberg has a running commentary on the event. Clark Lindsey also has a nice wrap up. Sounds like reality is starting to hit the private space community (I frankly can't stand the name alt.space. It sounds to much like alt.sex or alt.Ilivewithmymom). Most of the talks were related to politics and money, which honestly is what matters when you actually have a product.

This scares the crap out of me. Apparently Lockheed and Boeing are merging their launch units into the United Launch Alliance. (From spacetoday.net) How I am going to tell them apart now? Wait I couldn't before. Okay maybe it isn't that bad. Maybe they think if they keep slamming Aerospace companies together, they will create fusion and some useful energy will come out. (That was a joke, people).





More tomorrow.

Posted by Dan Schrimpsher at 8:42 PM

1 comment:

Paul D. said...

In the computer industry, this phenomenon where big, slow companies join has been called 'Dinosaurs Mating' (DEC/Compaq/HP, what happened to the old BUNCH companies, etc.)

I'd guess this is a consequence of the lack of a market sufficient to sustain both companies' launchers, and possibly a reluctance of the military to subsidize them enough to make up the difference.

5:48 AM

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