Russia Wants Nuclear-Powered Rocket To Go To Mars
The space race is on again: The Russians are planning a nuclear-powered spacecraft that will get them to Mars faster than Duck Dodgers in the 24-and-a-half century. Space Agency chief Anatoly Perminov promises a design by 2012:
The project is aimed at implementing large-scale space exploration programs, including a manned mission to Mars, interplanetary travel, the creation and operation of planetary outposts. The implementation of this project will allow us to reach a new technological level surpassing foreign developments.
It would only take nine years to fully develop at the tune of $US600 million, which is spare change compared to all the economy stimulus plans in place. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev—knowing that this will generate money and specialised jobs, and push Russia to a new scientific level—has backed the project and wants the government to pay for it.
Meanwhile, the Guys With the Right Stuff are seeing their projects scrapped, with Constellation about to get cancelled, and the shuttle getting killed. Godspeed America, godspeed. Let’s go to KFC and sink our hope in greasy chicken and cheap beer. [Yahoo via Universe Today]
- Next Post: Toyota’s Carbon Fibre Loom: A Stunning Piece Of Machinery »
- « Previous Post: So Just How Small Is A Ribosome, Anyways?
Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
No, america has no place in this. They tried to out-do the russians by supposedly getting to the moon first. Whether they did or didn’t, Russia is getting back up on their feet and trying something new.
I think the fact that another country is gonna be on mars first will motivate america more than the actual fact of being on mars at all. Americans are like that. I think they should just stay the way they are and keep their current plans – to get to the moon by 2019 – if that even happens.