NASA Manned Trip to Asteroid Semi-Confirmed

[LightyKD]

(If you don't get the picture reference, shame on you!)​

Some of you may know that today the President of he United States of America, @BarackObama, decided to take it to Reddit, to answer some qustions. It looks like the man had a slip of the keyboard and semi confirmed a manned trip to an asteroid as a prelude to a mannend trip to Mars.

Source
http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/z1c9z/i_am_barack_obama_president_of_the_united_states/

And I Quote...



Question:

Are you considering increasing funds to the space program?​

Answer:

Making sure we stay at the forefront of space exploration is a big priority for my administration. The passing of Neil Armstrong this week is a reminder of the inspiration and wonder that our space program has provided in the past; the curiosity probe on mars is a reminder of what remains to be discovered. The key is to make sure that we invest in cutting edge research that can take us to the next level - so even as we continue work with the international space station, we are focused on a potential mission to a asteroid as a prelude to a manned Mars flight.​

 

[Izen]

The real news here, I think, is the fact that Obama actually went on Reddit and did an AMA (if you don't know, it stands for Ask Me Anything, where persons of interest go on reddit and answer questions that anyone can ask). Granted, he probably didn't directly do anything himself, but simply relayed information to other folks to censor appropriately.

It really only makes sense we'd try to make it to an asteroid before we try to make it to Mars. Asteroids are a much more realistic goal. They're closer (not all asteroids lie within the Asteroid belt), they have no (or very, very little) atmosphere to interfere with communications from the surface or make landings more difficult. However, the lack of atmosphere offers up as many problems as it does easements, or at least as far as I gathered.

Just happy to see the spirit of exploration is alive and well, regardless of what direction it's in.

 

[nachoscool]

This is badass.

 

[dgwillia]

Thats pretty epic.

Also was wondering why Reddit was down for a decent chunk of the day, didnt found out he did an AMA till after it was already over

 

[LightyKD]

A bit OT.

Obama on the Internet...


SharkGirl

We know how Republicans feel about protecting Internet Freedom. Is Internet Freedom an issue you'd push to add to the Democratic Party's 2012 platform?



Obama

Internet freedom is something I know you all care passionately about; I do too. We will fight hard to make sure that the internet remains the open forum for everybody - from those who are expressing an idea to those to want to start a business. And although there will be occasional disagreements on the details of various legislative proposals, I won't stray from that principle - and it will be reflected in the platform.

 

[Hanafuda]

Did anyone ask about legalizing marijuana?

 

[DiscostewSM]

Mission to asteroids confirmed? Have they confirmed where that asteroid is heading? *giggle giggle*

 

[Arras]

Haha, he even poked fun at the Obama NOT BAD meme

 

[Bladexdsl]

hope he doesnt forget to pack the nuke

 

[yusuo]

1st thing that pops into my head is Armageddon, is this a cover up of the end of the world

 

[Blaze163]

Wow...freaky. I'm actually watching Deep Impact as I type this. No joke.

PS: Deep Impact is not 'adult entertainment', despite what the name might suggest...Just thought I'd clarify that.

 

[Bladexdsl]

Armageddon is better

 

[KingVamp]

Mission to asteroids confirmed? Have they confirmed where that asteroid is heading? *giggle giggle*

People living on asteroids, in biospheres confirmed.

 

[ProtoKun7]

You should've seen the reply correcting his grammar.
(It wasn't me.)

Wow...freaky. I'm actually watching Deep Impact as I type this. No joke.

PS: Deep Impact is not 'adult entertainment', despite what the name might suggest...Just thought I'd clarify that.

I don't think I've had a chance to watch that all the way through at once yet. I've seen parts of it but never in one go.

 

[Gahars]

Did anyone ask about legalizing marijuana?

It's Reddit. Do you have to ask?

Plus, this isn't really news. Note this video from 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ZrYdOrpqI