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The biggest problem isn't about anticipating contact with aliens. It's to develop a way to avoid collisions from asteroids that could pose a threat to the Earth. Primarily, such asteroids would be those capable of destroying a large city or region. Objects capable of destroying much of the planet are currently beyond our ability to prevent. While the odds of a destructive asteroid hitting the Earth are extremely low, the risk of damage could be high. The goal is to prevent such objects from hitting the Earth. Humans would not be involved in such missions, but rather robotics would be used. Apparently, asteroid deflection would be one of the primary goals of the so-called "Space Force". NASA would likely be involved with such projects. At a guess, the tasks could extend out to hep protect any future habitats on the Moon, Mars, etc., from such celestial threats.
Another mission would be to track and deflect orbiting traffic or large debris in space to avoid possible collisions of satellites, space stations and spacecraft.
Nothing is mentioned about "Roswell" or confronting any invading aliens, but I suppose a Space Force could be used with regard to any hostile nations causing threats or problems in Earth orbit or space. At a guess, a revival of Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative could also be included.
The first US Military arm subcontracted to the Russians. We buy seats on Russian launch vehicles to get our comrade cosmonauts to orbit. We haven't had manned launch capability since we retired the shuttle.
Then, of course, there is that pesky Peaceful Use Of Space treaty. I wonder if he even knows it exists?
It should be called the Galaxy Force and have a logo of POTUS hair in a galaxy swirl.
Maybe for first flight he can be launched by Elon Musk into space in a Ford Galaxie 500 for the photo op?
Seriously, if it is an attempt to bring the 'secret space programs' or black ops budgeted work out into an accountable view, that would be a great thing. More likely it could be POTUS as Circus ringmaster wanting to make a JFK like splash ("we are going to the moon") with bold statements.
OTOH, perhaps he's like the Ronald Reagan characterization SNL did back in the 80s showing that he was really a mastermind on top of everything that was going on while putting on a front for the public and media!
I suspect Trump's Space Force is less about space research --- which NASA and others are already doing --- and more about space militarization.
Well, obviously, it's designed as a separate branch of the military, just like the Air Force, Army, and Navy. Right now it's only a directive so many other moving parts to get this established, maybe it never will - you need congressional approval, etc.
But whatever you feel about Trump, he is putting more focus on space exploration which NASA is doing but under a continously reduced budget (less than .5% of federal budget in the Obama years vs. up to 5% in the Apollo years) and with unmanned probes. We have been focusing on unmanned exploration the last 3 decades or so. But as soon as he took office he signed a space directive to refocus on space exploration, to put men back on the moon and an eventual manned flight to mars, possible by leveraging private business enterprises as well.
This should excite everyone in this forum (perhaps not in other forums) as indeed it focuses on the exploration of "unexplained mysteries".
The first US Military arm subcontracted to the Russians. We buy seats on Russian launch vehicles to get our comrade cosmonauts to orbit. We haven't had manned launch capability since we retired the shuttle.
Then, of course, there is that pesky Peaceful Use Of Space treaty. I wonder if he even knows it exists?
If you think a "peaceful use of space treaty" means anything to Russia, China, NoKo, etc. you probably think the UN does good work and is all for peace and freedom.
Short answers: It doesn't. It doesn't and it isn't.
We have had labs for many years doing military research like the US Naval Research Facility in Laurel Md. Here is a PDF file you can download that will describe some of the research: https://www.nrl.navy.mil/content_ima...NRL_Review.pdf. This is not new; I know that it was down there in the 1980's and probably a long time before that. Many of the research labs, like the Navy's, touch on some of the subjects that might be included in a 'Space Force'. To me it would be more of trying to place most of the appropriate research under the right roof. That way we could have scientist of similar background able to work together. It could be a great idea and long overdue.
The biggest problem isn't about anticipating contact with aliens. It's to develop a way to avoid collisions from asteroids that could pose a threat to the Earth. ... At a guess, the tasks could extend out to hep protect any future habitats on the Moon, Mars, etc., from such celestial threats.
Another mission would be to track and deflect orbiting traffic or large debris in space to avoid possible collisions of satellites, space stations and spacecraft.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RP2C
We need a Space Sanitation Force to clear out all of the debris in orbit...like "Quark" in the 70's.
Actually, I thought the notion of a Space Force was silly and redundant with other branches of the military, but these missions make sense, they're necessary and not as far as I know covered elsewhere by existing branches of the military.
Actually, I thought the notion of a Space Force was silly and redundant with other branches of the military, but these missions make sense, they're necessary and not as far as I know covered elsewhere by existing branches of the military.
Some still speculate that we can get energy from He3 on the moon. It has not been proven and some of the initial interest is now dying down; but not over: https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/P..._lunar_surface. Possibly, with more research, the race would again be on?
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