I'm worried about Artemis II

[Brenda]

Unlike a lot of folks I actually support human space flights.

Just not now. Not only because of the US/Israel war on Iran and a million other things going on that deserve more money and attention (rising fuel, groceries, healthcare, insurance, housing, etc. etc.).

But because of all the damned cuts - THANKS TO ELON MUSK'S DOGE - to multiple agencies over the last year I worry that the fucking thing is going to blow up or pull a Tesla and drift off past the Moon into space forever more. Or burn up on re-entry due to heat panel issues.

Launch is scheduled for 6:24 pm EDT tomorrow:

April Fool's Day!

[maxsolomon]

1. It's not without risk.

No space mission is.

[harumph]

2. I'm a bit more worried than usual.

I keep feeling there's going to be a reckoning for the 'move fast and break things' ethos. The same way I'm feeling there's a target
on our backs now.

[Brenda]

3. You get it.

I've been saying since day one of Chump 2 that none of this chaos on purpose is sustainable for very long before something big goes boom.

[Maninacan]

4. Launch escape

Was checking out the launch escape system test. Hopefully increases safety.

[Brenda]

5. Sounds interesting. What is it?

[Brenda]

6. bump

[SocialDemocrat61]

7. As John Glen said about his historic flight

He couldn't stop thinking about how all his equipment was built by the lowest bidder.

[MineralMan]

8. So am I.

I do not like the current trend of passing off the exploration of space to profiteers. Not one bit. So, I am worried about this flight. About the people in the capsule mostly. I hope they come back safely.