Shard

So is that Tesla in earth orbit? Is it correct that it won't come down for "millions of years"? Somehow I thought it was going into Mars orbit...

Yes the Falcon was pretty impressive.

Nutek

Be interesting to see what NASA do at this point. The SLS has to look a bit redundant right now.

Nutek

Actually went for a longer burn (to depletion I think), so it will be heading out further than originally planned. Out to the asteroid belt. ish.

Shard

Cool. Quite a nice artifact, actually. If as a species we do make ourselves extinct, at least there's a three dimensional model of what we were like.

BritInParis

There was

SultanOfSwing

On its way to the asteroid belt, I believe. Looks like the overshot the trajectory to send it to Mars. I wonder if the camera will still be active when it reaches the belt though, because I would love to see that feed.

Not sure if it will be 'coming down' as such, unless it's hit by an asteroid. Perhaps eventually the orbit will decay and it will fall toward the sun, but it's probably going to be sitting there for a billion years if it isn't impacted by something.

Seeing those two boosters landing was amazing. OK, they didn't get all three but holy crap - did anyone think back when the Space Shuttle was in its golden age, so to speak, that there would be privateers sending reusable rockets into space?

NASA and SpaceX should team up. NASA has the experience and the Falcon is proving to be a viable tech. Man to Mars - make it happen. Start with the Moon, get the technology tuned in and then go for it.

SultanOfSwing

This pleases me.

Nutek

NASA are quoting 1Bil per launch (and are still 5 years out). SpaceX total dev costs (according to Musk) are right around .5 Bil total to date.

Edit to add... Are they planning on getting a cert for crewed flight on Falcon heavy? I THINK they want to skip that until Raptor(?) is flying. Could be wrong on that.

SultanOfSwing

It's a no-brainer. I love NASA, don't get me wrong, I'd probably cry like a baby if I was in the mission control center the same way Josh Gates did on Expedition Unknown, but they need to get with the damn program here.

Shard

Apparently the big issue with Mars travel is solar radiation. But yeah, would be good if it happens within the next decade or two.

SultanOfSwing

I did hear that too. I remember back when I was in school, it was supposed to be in 2020. Now I'll be lucky if I'm still alive by the time we ever get to Mars.

Nutek

Too much pork.

Shard

Tell me about it. Mind you, at some point I'd be willing to make the one way trip (if asked). Some point soon!

SultanOfSwing

You might have some company. Elon Musk apparently wants to die on Mars "just not on impact" ...

Nutek