ISS - scrapped or safe?

[Moonchild]

I've decided todesign this topic so forum users can discuss their views on the future of the ISS. Should it be allowed to continue? Should it be cancelled? Post your opinions here!

[Freethinker]

ISS is only needed because of M'soft being such a lousy software company. So many security holes!

[Uncle Martin]

ISS should be completed and used to it's fullest potential. The remaining shuttle fleet should be flying as we speak. The hubble should be serviced and upgraded. The next generation "shuttle" should be in the manufacturing stage. Etc,... Etc,...

Any questions?

[TeleMad]

Freethinker: ISS is only needed because of M'soft being such a lousy software company. So many security holes!

???

[Tormod]

LOL...FT for once gets it wrong. ISS != IIS.

[Tormod]

(note: I am biased in this regard, as I work for the Norwegian Space Center and Norway does a lot of business related to the ISS and surrounding industry. But my response is as always personal).

The International Space Station is one of the most brilliant space projects ever. It brings a lot of extremely interesting contracts to a lot of companies around the world. It is a truly international project, which means that countries which would otherwise not be able to participate in space research (in space!) have the opportunity with ISS.

ISS is also currently the *only* way to study the effecs of microgravity on human beings, plants, cells, materials etc. A lot of new inventions spring from the ISS.

It would be a tragedy if the ISS would have to shut down. If the current oxygen leak will cause it to fail for a while, that is something we can live with. But considering that ISS is the first permanently manned station off the Earth, it is extremely important for the development of future projects.

Let the ISS Live!

[Freethinker]

Originally posted by: Tormod
LOL...FT for once gets it wrong. ISS != IIS.

FT once more gets it RIGHT! As always!

No I did not confuse ISS with IIS.

If you Google ISS the first response (and the first few before spaceshipone made it's 2nd flight)

Internet Security Systems - Worldwide Home Page
www.iss.net/

[Tormod]

Yeah, riiiiiiight. Others call it "padding".

[Freethinker]

But the ISS doesn't have any oil revenue. It can't be used (under current laws anyway) as a military base. As it is too international, US companies do not make ALL the profits. Why should the current US admin put anyt money in it.

Yes the ISS should be saved and expanded in scope. But with the world in the termoil as this admin has caused, there are not the funds needed. They are being invested in military efforts. Not research.

[Tormod]

Sad, but very true. Yes.