Mastodawn

I feel I need to say something about Artemis as a former NASA employee, Space scientist and engineer.

I hope more than anything that the astronauts get back safely. But let us not be fooled by what this is.

Is it spectacular, yes. Is it a feat of engineering, yes. Does it make any advance in science, no. Does it help mankind explore the universe, dubious at best.

Why exactly are we sending humans to the moon? With our technology we will never send humans much further than Mars. The only way humans can possibly go further is through a scientific breakthrough. Good luck with that when Trump is gutting science.

Human exploration needs money spent on long-term advances - not using the same technology to do what we did before, however, glamorous it is.

So why do this and why do it now? Political theatre, a win for a Trump led NASA if it succeeds.

So I hope all works well and all return safely. But let us be clear what this is and why it is being done.

This is my opinion, I do not represent anyone.

Ian.Burnette 3d ago

HarriettMB 3d ago

Since today is #TransgenderDayOfVisibility I thought I’d share this, which lives in my memes folder.
#TransrightsAreHumanRights

Ian.Burnette 3d ago

Lockely

3d ago

Putting out a call to Star Trek fans here on Mastodon. Does anyone have an extra 2022 Hallmark Star Trek Replicator mug they're willing to part with? I'll pay for it and shipping. Our cat destroyed mine tonight and it was my favorite mug and my ritual to drink from it when watching Trek.

#starTrek #friendsofdesoto

Ian.Burnette 4d ago

Thib 4d ago

Can we end daylight saving already?

Ian.Burnette 5d ago

stefan 5d ago

move considerately and maintain things

Ian.Burnette 5d ago

Show thread

Prof. Sam Lawler 5d ago

I managed to proofread and comment on the entire 6 page American Astronomical Society draft response to Reflect Orbital's reply and also write my own draft response and not throw my laptop out the window with rage over Reflect Orbital's absolutely fucking terrible plans. Please clap.

Do I think this will actually help? No, not really, the FCC is evil and blinded by $$$. Do I still have to do this? Yes. Yes I do.

Ian.Burnette Mar 27

Zach Weinersmith Mar 27

One of the weird thing about growing plants is you go from thinking plants need constant watering to being nervous about ever giving them water.

Ian.Burnette Mar 27

Nowhere Girl Mar 26

90% of my interactions with government and business entities go like this.

THEM: "You did not follow the rules. Please start the process over from the very beginning and -- "

ME: "No, fuck you. Your rules are stupid but I already followed them. Here is the proof."

THEM: "Oh. Okay. Here you go."

Ian.Burnette Mar 21

Brian Bilston Mar 21

On World Poetry Day, here’s a reminder of the power of poetry and its potential to change the world.

Ian.Burnette Mar 21

Dagnabbit, Pascaline! 💥Feb 28

@mloxton

Meanwhile, the year is 2026 and the entire world slowly realises cooperation with American businesses is not okay. The entire world? Well, not entirely. One small country of indomitable Dutch still holds out against sanity.

It decided to place all inhabitants' tax data on American servers, granting America access to these servers while being locked out themselves.

Of course, there will be a debate to reassure the people the decision is well thought through 🙄