Freefalling from 39.0 kilometers above New Mexico

[Thruster87]

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap140210.html

[Old Koreelah]

Impressive and great to see good video from that altitude.

 

Interesting how so many human achievements of generations ago have only recently been repeated or bettered; but not by much, considering the huge technological advances since.

 

As well as high altitude attempts, think of rocket sleds, deep-ocean descents and, of course, moon landings.

 

Is the great age of exploration over? Are we now too pre-occupied with matters mundane to reach for the stars?

 

 

[eightyknots]

Are we now too pre-occupied with matters mundane to reach for the stars?

Stars are too hot when you get close to them. You also need a lot of patience as the journey will be very long. How about visiting a near planet such as Mars?

 

 

[eightyknots]

By the way, I think that is a great video!

 

 

[Old Koreelah]

Stars are too hot when you get close to them. You also need a lot of patience as the journey will be very long. How about visiting a near planet such as Mars?

The Soviets were very focussed on a Mars trip; now neither they nor the Americans have the money or will to do it. Perhaps the emerging giants of Asia will have a go. Smaller nations could make significant contributions to such a project and build their own high-tech sectors. I doubt our current government would get us involved in anything visionary.