Tech Briefs Insider » 2008 » October

Should NASA sell space travel to civilians?

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:25:16 +0000

This week’s question concerns space travel for civilians. Last week, Richard
Garriott, a wealthy computer game designer and son of a former astronaut,
paid $30 million to take a 10-day trip to the International Space Station
aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Garriott, 47, who was told he couldn’t
become a NASA astronaut due to poor eyesight, is a board member of Space
Adventures Ltd., the company that has arranged similar excursions for five
other wealthy adventurers, all aboard Russian spacecraft. Considering the
amount of money involved, some people think the U.S. should consider
selling trips aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft when it becomes operational;
others think it’s too risky.

What do you think? Should NASA sell space travel to civilians?

Should the FCC allow unlicensed devices in unused portions of the TV spectrum?

TechBriefs — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:53:18 +0000

This week’s Question of the Week concerns the future use of the TV broadcast spectrum “white space”. The Federal Communications Commission is close to approving a measure allowing unused portions of the TV broadcast spectrum to be set aside for unlicensed, low-power radio transmitting devices providing wireless and broadband services, after conversion to digital TV broadcasting is completed next February. The FCC says they have so far found no major interference issues; however, TV broadcasters question the FCC’s findings and maintain unlicensed devices could hamper TV reception. What do you think? Should the FCC allow unlicensed devices in unused portions of the TV spectrum?

Vote here.

Would Federal ownership of banks help the ailing U.S. economy?

TechBriefs — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:06:52 +0000

This week’s question follows up our recent question on whether the Fed’s $700 billion plan to bail out struggling financial institutions would benefit the U.S. economy. The Treasury Department is devising a plan to acquire ownership in many U.S. banks. The plan is similar to plans approved by the United Kingdom and several other European nations to nationalize major banks there. The Treasury says the move would strengthen the balance sheets of U.S. banks and encourage lending. What do you think? Would Federal ownership of banks help the ailing U.S. economy? Yes or no?

Vote here.

Should NASA invest millions of dollars to keep the Hubble Space Telescope operating?

TechBriefs — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:39:53 +0000

This week’s question concerns the Hubble Space Telescope. A data transmission component aboard the telescope recently failed, forcing NASA engineers to rely on a backup component until a replacement part is sent up on the next space shuttle servicing mission. That mission is slated to cost $900 million and won’t happen until early 2009. The latest glitch has revived the argument on whether it is worthwhile to keep the aging telescope operating, or build a replacement telescope from scratch. What do you think? Should NASA invest millions of dollars to keep the Hubble Space Telescope operating? Yes or no?

Vote here.