NASA, Budgets, Orion and the Gateway

originally posted by: Grimpachi
a reply to: BrianFlanders

Is there anything that can be done in space cheaper than it can on earth?

Manufacturing.

Not so much manufacturing, as it will cost extra money and time to get the equipment and resources up there. Space, with its vacuum and weightlessness (or low gravity on the Moon) makes it easier to launch spacecraft into deep space. You don't have to fight against the Earth's gravity and plough through its thick atmosphere on your way up.

That's why it's suggested to assemble interplanetary spacecraft and space stations in Moon orbit, and then use much less fuel to send them on their way.

originally posted by: wildespace

originally posted by: Grimpachi
a reply to: BrianFlanders

Is there anything that can be done in space cheaper than it can on earth?

Manufacturing.

Not so much manufacturing, as it will cost extra money and time to get the equipment and resources up there. Space, with its vacuum and weightlessness (or low gravity on the Moon) makes it easier to launch spacecraft into deep space. You don't have to fight against the Earth's gravity and plough through its thick atmosphere on your way up.

That's why it's suggested to assemble interplanetary spacecraft and space stations in Moon orbit, and then use much less fuel to send them on their way.

There is precedent for this: The United States followed-up wagon trains with trans-continental railroads that made colonizing the West Coast easier. This made it possible for Boeing, Northrup, Hughes and others to start-up aircraft companies out there. Mind you, no one could have predicted that that would have been the result, but it does go to show that though the benefits of exploration and colonization are unknown, the possible rewards are limitless.

originally posted by: TEOTWAWKIAIFF
a reply to: lostbook


All I've been seeing is launches starting in the "2020s" (whatever that means). The NASA administrator says he wants boots on the lunar surface by 2028.

Lockheed is building a part (IIRC), as is Boeing. The thing will be shipped piece by piece over a bunch of flights which is one method to keep costs down (says universetoday). But no time line as to when construction begins except the "2020s"

Which if you think about it, is next year!

I'll look around some more... see if I can find anything out about how long it will take (they have module specs up at their website! The thing is huge!)

Thanks. Hopefully, NASA is serious about this project and follows it through to completion. I will keep an eye out.