Project Orion

Tonight, and repeating often on other nights; The Science Channel presents the first logical point to discuss about Project Orion, or the mission back to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. (click here for show times)
The show introduces several aspects of engineering, testing and getting Astronauts opinions on what life is going to be like in & out the newly created capsule. That's right; capsule not shuttle. Even though the capsule looks very familier on the outside to the old Apollo capsules, inside it's all new and improved. Millions of processors in computers at NASA (many running Linux) are speeding up times to engineer and test thermal tolorances, new touch panel computer screens, and returning to the Earth and landing on LAND, not water. I don't wan't to spoil it for you; but what I'll do is direct you here to get more information; and just push you to watch the documenteries on Project Orion. You'll be amazed at how many old things are new again!

What Comes after the Space Shuttle?

Seeing I just mentioned (a couple articles ago) that the current line of Space Shuttles will soon be out of commission permanently; I found this next article VERY interesting. There isn't much in the way of pictures; but you will understand what NASA plans to send up instead of the Space Shuttle during this strange period of Space exploration. (By that I mean, the American Space Program is in flux; and their new goal is returning to the moon. So whatever they use sans the shuttle, might likely be a stop gap)

For more info about what they are doing now, jump here.

For more info about the future craft (including artist renditions) jump here.