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It seems that what the astronaut is saying is not that it isn't feasible, but that it isn't wanted.

Feasibility is a moot point until the support of the people is behind the proposed mission.

 Vulcan wrote:
As I said earlier, the problems on this world are largely due to resource scarcity and (short of developing infinite energy and replicators) cannot be solved strictly on this planet. Even tapping the resources in space won't solve all the problems here, but it might start easing some of them.

That's pretty contrary to assertions made in the realms of sociology and economics. The problems generally aren't resources, but distribution and often a willingness to distribute. This tends to be true on an international level (moving goods, especially food, around the globe) and on the local level, where grocery stores just mysteriously aren't in inner city neighborhoods.

Infinite energy isn't necessary- we don't have anything close to infinite consumption. We just have large areas with inadequate (or completely lacking) power grids, and pockets of high demand with no limits on consumption, and few ways to move the excess somewhere else.

Voss wrote:

 Vulcan wrote:
As I said earlier, the problems on this world are largely due to resource scarcity and (short of developing infinite energy and replicators) cannot be solved strictly on this planet. Even tapping the resources in space won't solve all the problems here, but it might start easing some of them.

That's pretty contrary to assertions made in the realms of sociology and economics. The problems generally aren't resources, but distribution and often a willingness to distribute. This tends to be true on an international level (moving goods, especially food, around the globe) and on the local level, where grocery stores just mysteriously aren't in inner city neighborhoods.

Infinite energy isn't necessary- we don't have anything close to infinite consumption. We just have large areas with inadequate (or completely lacking) power grids, and pockets of high demand with no limits on consumption, and few ways to move the excess somewhere else.

Infinite energy and replicators. You're right; infinite energy won't really solve anything on it's own. Matched up with the ability to turn vast amounts of energy into whatever matter you desire, now THAT would solve a lot of problems.

Assuming the most wealthy didn't just sit on them...

Yeah, I didn't bother to address the magic boxes part, as its an absurd fantasy completely irrelevant to the issue: the problem isn't the lack of rings of wishes, but the lack of will or ability to distribute food, water and power to where they're needed.

 Kilkrazy wrote:
It seems that what the astronaut is saying is not that it isn't feasible, but that it isn't wanted.

Feasibility is a moot point until the support of the people is behind the proposed mission.

And have we conducted a Gallup poll to determine whether or not it's "wanted"? I'd imagine interest is higher than you think.


Regardless, I did seem to miss that point of it. Good on you for correcting me on that.

SpaceX Dragon capsule docked successfully with the International Space Station just after 11 o'clock this morning (UK time.)

It was in autonomous mode, meaning it guided itself in rather than be captured by a waldo arm like the regular supply capsules.

The next big test is whether the capsule can survive re-entry. This is schedule to happen on Friday.

Very cool.

Would You want to be the first person to come down in one of those?
Aren't they the ones that land on their jets?

Very cool, yeah.

Someone has to be the first. To suggest it, make it happen, and try it.

Every bit of progress is a good thing. Now lets work on better propulsion.

"Four parachutes should bring it into soft contact with water about 450km from Cape Canaveral, Florida."
Not a thruster landing then.

Touchdown at 13:45 GMT:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-47477617

They got it down intact, then. The next thing is to analyse the flight and effects on the "passenger".