Quote Originally Posted by NamPikToot View Post

BB seconded. As a child the moon landings and early exploration left me spell struck and i still find the possibilities, challenges and discoveries fascinating - it seem less so for the younger generation which is sad because unlike most things its effectively limitless, how can you get bored....I think Govts in the West with their funding reductions are not enthusing the younger generations enough but acknowledge that the use of tech in communications with broadcasts from the ISS etc offer more engagement than i had when i was young.

Thanks both.

Don't underestimate the Chinese. They are behind but they are working steadily to close the gap. Even if their lander and rover are not very advanced, landing on the backside of the moon and have constant communication is a major achievement.

NASA has a great history and their science probes all over the solar system are a great achievement, worthy of their moon landings. But recently they are just treading water. They are NOT lacking money. The problem is the available money is squandered under mandate by Congress. Especially manned spaceflight is a money pit with multi billions shoved into Boeing and Lockheed Martin with ZERO return. As is the wish of Congress. They are achieving their goal of shifting money to those companies with no interest of achieving anything in spaceflight. At this rate in 10-15 years the Chinese will surpass NASA. The european ESA is no better.

The only hope for a young generation waiting for advances is SpaceX. They may still fail because their resources are a pittance compared to what NASA squanders but I hope and believe they will succed with their plans.

Humans on Mars in 10 years or less. For those who can not believe this, let's see in 2 years. By then we will probably see positive proof of their concept.