For those who might like to dig farther into (or simply know more about the science behind) the National Geographic Channel series “Chasing UFOs,” including debris field surveys, exploding rockets, and the classic argument from ignorance, look no further!
Direct link-through to my article on the NatGeo TV blog can be found here:
http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com/2012/07/16/the-science-of-chasing-ufos-ufo-landing-zone-2/
Cheers!
Ben
Pressure test of the Orion/MPCV capsule conducted 5-5-2011. (Credit: Lockheed Martin)
So, despite what the “milestone” wording in yesterday’s media alert seemed to suggest, the much-anticipated announcement from NASA did not declare a new exploration goal. Instead, a “new,” “deep space” vehicle was announced: the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, or MPCV.
The thing is, it isn’t really a new vehicle.
As designer/manufacturer Lockheed Martin’s own press release admits, the vehicle is simply their Orion spacecraft (developed under NASA’s now-cancelled Constellation Program) reborn under a new name.
MPCV/Orion in Martian orbit. (Credit: NASA)
Why all the fuss? Good question. The rechristening of the vehicle indicates that NASA will continue to support its development, which should be a relief to all of the Orion personnel. -And, while NASA did not come out and officially adopt the plan and timeline as I would have hoped, all of the subtext seems to indicate that they are embracing President Obama’s (and Lockheed’s) proposal to send human explorers to an asteroid, a Martian moon, and on to Mars.
If this delineation is real, and NewSpace is intended to take over LEO and lunar operations while NASA aims to send astronauts farther out, then I think this is a wonderful development. There’s room for everyone.
It is my sincerest hope that this is not simply wordplay intended to loft a sagging program with no real defined end-use or objective.
Astrowright 
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