Look, NASA is getting a bigger budget. Sure Constellation and the X-33 got canceled. Stuff get's canceled all the time. That's because NASA is a political entity. I'm surprised so many people think we're not doin' stuff with the space program. We are. The problem is that the focus is pretty diffused. Even in the space community, opinions vary as to where we should be headed, the Moon, Mars, low Earth orbit. Again, it's because NASA is big bureaucracy with it's hands tied by politicians.
But it's not all doom and gloom.
Political Doom and Gloom. I just think private enterprise shouldn't be over looked.
Especially since NASA seems to leaning more towards the aeronautics side of the equation and less towards the space side.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysJF70xmdzE[/youtube]
Video produced by the FAA-led Joint Planning and Development Office, responsible for overseeing modernisation of the US national airspace system, illustrating how NextGen technologies are intended to help the traveller. The aircraft is a NASA Cruise-Efficient Short Take-Off and Landing (CESTOL) concept intended to use smaller runways at metroplex airports.
Yeah, I know. Yawn.
But again, look at private enterprise.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H7BeyQOnPk[/youtube]
Video animation by UK firm Reaction Engines showing the mission concept for its proposed Skylon unmanned reusable spaceplane. The Skylon would be powered by the company's Sabre dual-mode engines, housed in wingtip pods. In air-breathing mode, from the runway to Mach 5, the engines would burn onboard liquid hydrogen with atmospheric air. In rocket mode, from Mach 5 to orbit, the engines would switch to onboard liquid oxygen. This would allow the Skylon to carry a heavier payload to orbit than fully rocket-powered vehicles. Recation Engines is working on technology demonstrations with European Space Agency funding support. Check out their website: reactionengines.co.uk.