Every two weeks we summarize specific progress toward the opening of the 2015 Maslow Window and movement toward real, near-term space colonization. The focus is on events and trends from around the world of long-range significance, especially in the context of the 10 Wave Guides.

The last two weeks have been unusually important in terms of space firsts and American presidential politics.

Impressive symbols of continuing successful robotic planetary exploration and resurgent human space exploration, with emphases on international cooperation and space science, were beautifully displayed recently! The first spacecraft landing in the Mars arctic was superbly accomplished by Phoenix on May 25. Already busily searching out the secrets of ice, life, and climate on Mars, Phoenix reminds us of how important robotic exploration is to providing a science and exploration framework (and to reducing risks) for future astronauts on Mars.

The Shuttle’s spectacular delivery of the large Japanese “Kibo” Module to International Space Station (ISS) this week demonstrated that the ISS’ international science mission is finally within reach! Although still “trapped” in Earth orbit, ISS and Shuttle astronauts convincingly model our long-term commitment to science and human operations in space. While challenges remain — e.g., completing ISS within 2 years, living without the Shuttle fleet after 2010 — NASA administrator Mike Griffin advises that these are doable. And the Phoenix Lander plus our other robotic planetary emissaries confirm that we’re becoming well-positioned for accelerated global human spaceflight activities as the next Maslow Window slides open near 2013 – 2015.

The mass media become more sensationalized and noisy than usual within 6 – 12 months of an American presidential election, but at least this week we established that it’s Obama vs. McCain. It’s not clear yet who will win or which candidate would be more likely to support large-scale space activities but we have preliminarily addressed both questions ( See “McCain and the Republican Panic”, and “Is Obama a Space Guy?”). His famous personal qualities suggest Obama has the potential to become a John F. Kennedy-like character in terms of leading the next race to space, but long-term economic and social trends appear to favor the election of McCain. The campaign will depend on public perceptions of a stumbling economy and an increasingly winnable war in Iraq. Also of long-term concern is the possibility of a renewed cold war with Russia.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS