Space Scientists Looking To Crowd-Fund Planetary Exploration 90
The Bad Astronomer writes "The White House budget for NASA in 2013 is bleak, with big cuts in many areas. None is worse hit than planetary exploration, which got slammed with a 20% reduction. Several top-notch space scientists have taken matters into their own hands, looking to create a privately-funded alternative for space exploration. Called Uwingu — Swahili for 'sky' — they're hoping to get seed money to create a program which can generate millions in donations to explore our solar system. Astronomer Pamela Gay has more info at her blog, Star Stryder."
Re:Correct me if I'm wrong... (Score:5, Insightful)
Private capital is rarely transparent and often has more strings attached than most people realize. Also, the ROI on space exploration projects is so low and spread over such a long time period that no private capital group in their right mind would ever fund it, let alone convince other investors.
Re:Donate $2 billion, get this free coffee mug (Score:2, Insightful)
Additionally, whoever came up with the name "Uwingu" for a space program should be smacked in the mouth with a rolled-up newspaper.
Here's why - Space exploration pushes the limits of our scientific and technological prowess. "Challenger," "Spirit," "Opportunity," "Virgin Galactic," "SpaceX," "Voyager." Those names are what a good space program should sound like. "Uwingu" sounds like the ookings of a gorilla resting on his haunches and chewing on a grub in the midst of third-world filth. It evokes action of a primate Uwinging / from tree to tree / but only in between / poo flinging. Shit, I could make a rap song from that last verse.
-- Ethanol-fueled
Re:Have a 'dry' day. (Score:4, Insightful)
And have a good fraction of three hundred million people who should be drunk walking around stone cold sober? You, sir, are putting us on a collision course with certain destruction.
Re:Donate $2 billion, get this free coffee mug (Score:2, Insightful)
Additionally, whoever came up with the name "Uwingu" for a space program should be smacked in the mouth with a rolled-up newspaper.
My thoughts exactly. Swahili for 'sky' ???
You want to appeal to my wallet? Start by naming it something from a civilization that at least got as far as indoor plumbing.