Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier

This review / response is going to be more scattered than usual…

First, a quote I liked:

"[A]s our area of knowledge grows, so does the perimeter of our ignorance."

This quote led to a discussion which resulted in my saying:

“I would argue human intelligence is a measure of two things... 1) how much you are aware that there is that you don't know, and 2) knowing how to frame questions about it.”

And this is probably more akin to wisdom anyways… but whatever.

Second, here are some thoughts the book provoked:

Regarding the space shuttles... why didn't we retire one as a space plane? I mean, we could have it docked with the International Space Station (ISS). The crew there could take capsules back to Earth, either Russian sourced or new US ones.

Also, things could be sent to the ISS to be added to the space shuttle now stationed there. They could replace its engines with ion ones. They could launch more fuel. They could bolt on ion engines in new places so that it could slow itself down and vector the thrust as needed. There could be ablative armor added so that it can take hits from space debris. You could even try rigging solar sails to it.

Simply put, an object permanently in space no longer needs to be aerodynamic.

Another point, as a space plane it could go out and retrieve capsules / payloads left in low Earth orbit (LEO). Those objects could include continued repairs and upgrades for the Hubble Space Telescope and its future replacement. They could include repair kits for the other gamma ray, x-ray, and so on telescopes and instruments. I mean, not only is it a plane, but it is kind of a work vehicle. Add a tool shed, bring the necessary repair tools as needed. Think of it as a mobile, variable use, space platform. Also, think about how much that could extend the life of objects already in orbit.

I bet, with the right re-equip it could even go to the Moon. Maybe even lend there. More to the point, act as a ferry for stuff between LEO and the Moon so that you don't need Saturn V rockets for everything. I mean, once you're orbiting the Tsiolkovsky's rocket equation might still apply (I haven't looked up if it still does) but things have to be easier... right?

So I don't know, I think it was a missed opportunity to recycle. To do something awesome. I have this silly notion (as do many scientists and astrophysicist) that we could use the ISS and other such stations as way points for further exploration. I think a space plane could have been really useful, you know, our first spaceship that is strictly for moving about space.

But maybe I'm a silly dreamer, or ignorant of some giant blatant reason why what I'm thinking just is not or was not possible. But if I am right... Well, it is kind of sad then.

Third, another set of thoughts:

One of the funniest things mentioned in Neil deGrasse Tyson's book "Space Chronicles" is that we're a smart enough species to get out of low earth orbit and good enough to get to the Moon, and we can observe all of these asteroids and comets.

But we lack the political willpower to build a system that can get rid of an incoming asteroid or comet or that can nudge them away from impact. So... unlike the dinosaurs it's possible we could experience an extinction level event as a species fully capable of preventing it but lacking the will to do so.

Makes funding of wars elsewhere seem oh so meaningful...

Not to say I'm against war, but when you are not getting heavy tech developments from war, well, then it's a bit pointless.

What it comes down to is that I do not always like the tone.

Sometimes Tyson is preaching. Sometimes he is whining. This happens to all of us, I just do not much like reading it in books.

But, overall the book is a good read.

Further, it is one of those books that makes me question studying law. Perhaps I will get to spend time practicing engineer, maybe even tweak and invent things. I doubt I’ll be particularly effective pushing us into space. A friend of mine works for Space-X. I envy him.

I am not sure whether I would suggest it to others to read or not. It is good, but not fantastic.

Lastly, and before I forget…

The best part about Tyson’s perspective on all of this is he is an educator and NASA insider. He has insight and depth that most of us lack. That knowledge, perspective, and insight that he brings is refreshing and was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book.