Online Public Relations Thoughts

This video sequence of the Artemis 1 Orion capsule with earth in the background is yet another PR triumph for NASA.  It almost makes one forget the over-budget, troubled rocket program that was years overdue.  NASA is trying hard to focus the public on the near future when astronauts will return to the moon and set up a base there.  It will be a return after more than 50 years but with technologies unheard of at the time of the first moon landings.  NASA is counting on the public -- and Congress -- forgetting the cost, and chances are, both will in a spirit of high adventure and science.  There is competition as well.  The Chinese have successfully sent a spacecraft to the dark side of the moon and have geared up a significant space program.  The Russians can never be counted out.  Other nations as well are eagerly entering space exploration.  NASA, of course, wants to remain a leader.