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1. 0x5DA (0x5da@fosstodon.org)'s status on Monday, 09-Dec-2024 18:36:56 CET 0x5DA

   • Tio

   @tio
   nasa is "by far" the industry leader in space? i don't love the Isaacman nomination, but that's taking it way too far.

   • Michael Vogel (heluecht@pirati.ca)'s status on Monday, 09-Dec-2024 18:36:53 CET Michael Vogel

     in reply to

     • Tio

     @tio @0x5DA Don't assume that NASA is a rocket manufacturer or launch provider, they are not. NASA does aeronautical research (they're not just into space stuff). They operate Earth observation satellites, they operate space telescopes, rovers, ...

     The JWST, for example, is by far the most advanced space telescope - and in developing it they had to create and research a lot of new things.

     And as for SLS: The Space Launch System has to be built on existing shuttle hardware. That's what the Senate told them to do. Even if they tried, they're not allowed to deviate from that because the Senators want each of their states to participate. So SLS needed those solid fuel boosters, the rocket engine from the shuttle, etc.

   • 0x5DA (0x5da@fosstodon.org)'s status on Monday, 09-Dec-2024 18:36:55 CET 0x5DA

     in reply to

     • Tio

     @tio yes, in the 60s. but they are, no exaggeration, decades behind launch technology, which is arguably the cornerstone of space technology.

   • Tio (tio@social.trom.tf)'s status on Monday, 09-Dec-2024 18:36:56 CET Tio

     in reply to

     • Tio
     @0x5DA NASA did a lot of good work. Genuine discoveries and explorations. And not for profit as far as I am aware.
   • Michael Vogel (heluecht@pirati.ca)'s status on Monday, 09-Dec-2024 18:39:38 CET Michael Vogel

     in reply to

     • Tio
     @tio @0x5DA BTW: NASA also operates the wind tunnels and other research facilities where commercial launch providers regularly perform their tests. Also - for example - the Merlin engine is based on a NASA design, just like the heat shield of Dragon is based on NASA research as well.