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This video talks about the initiative to return to the moon and by 2017 begin to establish a permanent manned base as a launching point for trips further into the solar system. The program would allow scientists to develop ways to live in space for longer periods of time. These methods can then be applied to other more advanced missions. Much of the video gives a layout of step by step how the trip to the moon would hypothetically have to be accomplished.

The video which was made in 2007 was obviously created before the Great Recession prior to which the trip was economically feasible. However when Obama took office he cancled the project. The video does however give an idea of how excited scientists and the public were for a return trip. Since this video scientific advancements have been made which could have contibuted to the mission.

Web Content Post 2

This video talks about the end of the space shuttle program and the future of space travel. Much of the video is computer generated footage about the new Lockheed Martin Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. The narrator goes on to describe how the Orion Crew Vehicle will make great strides for human space exploration such as allowing for a trip to Mars. The video goes as far as to talk about how safe the Orion is in comparison the the shuttle.

The video made by Lockheed Martin is extremely biased towards their craft. Granted some of the advancements they have made are impressive the video mentions none of the potential problems with the craft. It only lists off how good the performance is and how safe it is. The video is comparable to a advertisement for a new car.

Web Content Post 1

This video gives the best ways to terraform mars in terms of economic cost. Since it is not possible to bring everything from earth the help thicken the atmosphere it'd be necessary to use the preexisting CO2 that is trapped in the martian surface. Michio Kaku presented ideas on how to jump start the release of CO2 using large sources of energy such as nuclear bombs to raise the temperature and release more CO2 in a cycle just like we have on earth.

This video fits the narrower end of my project funnel very well. Even though hypothetical the ideas given are generally accepted. Michio Kaku is a well known physicist and is greatly involved in the scientific community so his input and endorsement on the topic contribute to the credibility of what he is saying.

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The article talks about how NASA is trying to sell off their shuttle facilities to private companies. Companies such as space X and the United Launch Alliance.

This contibutes to the privitization of space exploration which can be benefitial. Space X and other companies will have an easier time starting out as they can learn from NASA's mistakes and reuse some of the foundations NASA laid.

Matthews, Mark K. "NASA Races to Find Tenants for Vacant Shuttle Facilities." Orlando Sentinel. 08 Apr. 2012. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. <http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-04-08/news/os-ksc-salvage-yard-20120408_1_shuttle-tiles-orbiter-processing-facility-ksc>.

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This article talks about the upcome Space X launch which will deliver cargo to the International Space Station. The launch will be the first privatly operated.

The operation of a privatly owned flight to the ISS is good for the future of space exploration. Private markets will have more incentive to put money into new technology, which will even further our ability to explore.

Ray, Justin. "Spaceflight Now | Atlas Launch Report | A May Launching Now Planned for next Atlas 5." Spaceflight Now. 8 Apr. 2012. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. <http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av031/120408slip/>.

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This page talks about the Falcon 1 which is a relativly small rocket capable of reaching orbit. It is the cheapest means of getting an object into orbit but not the most efficient.

The article distcusses how the Falcon 1 is useful for getting objects into orbit due to it's relativly low cost. The lower cost however comes at the price of a smaller payload.

"Falcon 1 Overview." Space Exploration Technologies Corporation. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. <http://www.spacex.com/falcon1.php>.

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The article talks about Space X's Falcon Heavy, using comparisons to older rockets the article describes how the Falcon Heavy will have a capacity that far exceeds that of previous generations of rockets.

 

The article is on Space X's website and talks about their design so it is likely that any flaws with it will be downplayed. However even if there are some minor flaws they will likely be worked out and the capabilities of the rocket will greatly contribute to space exploration.

 

 

"Falcon Heavy Overview." Space Exploration Technologies Corporation. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. <http://www.spacex.com/falcon_heavy.php>.