Defending spaceflight - The echoes of Apollo

详细信息    查看全文

• 作者：Robert J. Rovetto¹ ; ² ; ^{ontologos@yahoo.com} ; ^{rrovetto@terpalum.umd.edu} ; ^{rrovetto@buffalo.edu}
• 关键词：Spaceflight ; Human spaceflight ; Manned spaceflight ; NASA ; Space policy ; Philosophy of space exploration ; Space exploration ; Space science
• 刊名：Space Policy
• 出版年：2016
• 出版时间：November 2016
• 年：2016
• 卷：38
• 期：Complete
• 页码：68-78
• 全文大小：309 K
• 卷排序：38

文摘

This paper defends, and emphasizes the importance of, spaceflight, broadly construed to include human and unmanned spaceflight, space science, exploration and development. Within this discourse, I provide counter-replies to remarks by physicist Dr. Steven Weinberg against my previous support of human spaceflight. In this defense of peaceful spaceflight I draw upon a variety of sources. Although a focus is human spaceflight, human and unmanned modes must not be treated as an either-or opposition. Rather, each has a critical role to play in moving humanity forward as a spacefaring species. In the course of this communication, I also stress the perennial role of space agencies as science and technology-drivers, and their function to provide a stable and unified platform for space programs.