International Space Station – What is it Good For?

The New York Times questions the raison d’etre for the International Space Station in a new article that suggests that the ISS is a kind of technological dead-end not unlike the Zeppelin. The International Space Station will end up costing about $100B, is currently less than half-built and will require 15 more space shuttle flights to complete (depicted) – missions that would have to occur before the space shuttle is decommissioned in 2010 to make way for the planned Moon base.

ISS defenders cite the need for more research into the effects of microgravity on humans and the test-bedding of new technologies. Others disagree – apparently even NASA director Michael D. Griffin is of the opinion that the current focus on the shuttle and on low Earth orbit will come to be seen as a strategic mistake – see “NASA Official Questions Agency’s Focus on the Shuttle”.

We’re on board with that – in fact we suggest (as if we know of what we speak..) mothballing the ISS or selling it to Virgin Galactic for use as a space hotel, skipping the moon and going directly to Mars, as per a modified Moon/Mars Mission Statement.

Destination Is the Space Station, but Many Experts Ask What For - New York Times, December 5, 2006

Related posts:

1. Space Shuttle Shutdown
2. a review of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee
3. Scientists say: Go Directly to Mars…Skip the Moon
4. NASA: Humans to Moon, Mars and Beyond
5. Space Tourists and Their Hotels