Another Space Race?
We still have a long ways to go when it comes to learning about space. While this isn’t a revolution itself, I’m encouraged by scientists who persist to learn more about what’s out there beyond our cozy atmosphere. Recently, scientists debated the possibility of the existence of a Milky Way galaxy twin.
The debate arose as scientists could not explain a mysterious gravitational pull impacting the motion of our own Milky Way galaxy. The inability to prove if such a galaxy exists stems from massive dust clouds literally clouding our vision in a certain direction from Earth. It just goes to show we have a ways to go when it comes to learning about the universe.
Also in space news, a private firm has stepped up with the intention of providing cargo shuttles to the ISS. PlanetSpace, Inc. is confident they can achieve a low cost, automated supply ship. They will be joining the fray with Rocketplane Kistler, who has been attempting to develop a similar technology for a number of years.
The private sector has been encouraging space research in other ways as well. Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and the X Prize Foundation are offering a $30 million Google Lunar X Prize for any team that can successfully fly a robotic spacecraft to the moon and complete multiple missions. The competition ends in 2014, but both Google founders are encouraged that a winner will be crowned before that date. You can check out the official website of the competition here.
Hopefully the interest of space technology in the private sector continues. Venture capital’s entrance into this industry can accelerate space innovation tremendously.
Finally, if you thought you had imagined some crazy next-generation automobiles, you should check out the wild cars on display at the L.A. Auto Show Robocar: 2057. What I would give for some of these technologies to become reality!
