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50/50?
(lemmy.world)
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this post was submitted on 20 Apr 2026
201 points (95.1% liked)
simpsonsshitposting
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I just think they're neat!
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This mission is underwhelming. Outdated technology kept in place for political reasons (i.e., Congress demanding jobs for their constituents during the Obama presidency), while better programs are being cancelled. And the astronauts went around the moon.
While we spend a fraction of a percent on NASA, perpetually "10 years away" from a Mars mission, the PRC just finished the Tiangong space station. The Chinese are building infrastructure for the long-term while the US refuses to adequately fund space exploration. Americans should actually be embarrassed by how far we're falling behind.
Excellent video essay if you're interested: Artemis II: This Isn't the Apollo Future We Were Promised
Right? Going around the moon should be utterly pedestrian by now, it's ironically only really impressive in every way except the actual space travel part.
It's impressive that NASA managed to do it despite rapidly approaching the death of the agency.
Oh I am. Also, fuck Nixon.
At the same time I can be optimistic and cheerful about the mission and the progress being made. The program has changed quite a bit and is addressing some of the concerns of its ability to land people back on the moon. But I am more optimistic of china's investment in space infrastructure. At the same time im worried that the billionaires investing in satellite constellations is an attempt to cut China off at the knees with a Kessler syndrome type situation.