genuinegirly

I've shared a considerable amount of my interest in the space program with everyone on the TFP over the past year. Now I'm interested in learning where you stand.

I support the idea of the government funding space research. I admit that I am biased party in this regard. I depend on NASA for the controlled spaceflight experiments that interest me. I don't see that the private sector will be able to fully take over the role that the Shuttles played in scientific research within the next decade, not without significant support from government sources, whether through contracted labor, direct subsidies or tax inscentives. It seems that there are a number of companies that are ready to perform manned missions in the next couple of years, but I'd like to see some proof that they can successfully perform unmanned missions before we place lives in their hands.

Do you think that the private sector should be governed by existing government-run space programs?
What do you think a government's role should be in space exploration and development?
What kinds of controls do you think should be in place for private space endeavors?
Should anything off of our globe be considered free for a claim?
Do you expect private companies to exploit the resources of any heavenly body they encounter?

Share with me whatever you would like to share, in relation to space and politics. I'm really curious what people have to say.

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"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy