The Future of Space Exploration with Lewis Dartnell, Pt .1
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Lewis pondering the wonders of the universe (and fluffy toys). Image by Ben Gilbert/Geek Calendar
I was really excited to talk with Dr. Lewis Dartnell of University College London over Skype for Urban Times‘ first ever podcast.
Lewis is a leading astro-biologist and published author (Life in the Universe: A Beginner’s Guide, Astrobiology) currently studying the possibility of life beyond the Earth. This podcast, which focuses particularly on the issues related to exploration of the Moon and Mars, is the first part of what we hope will be a fascinating insight into our species’ future in space exploration.
Thanks to Sci&Tech author Jenny Winder for supplying an in-depth list of questions, that I hope to cover in the coming podcasts with Lewis.
Lewis Dartnell on Space Exploration by urbantimes
Editor’s Prompt:
“Space exploration is a waste of time and resources. We need to focus all our attention on fixing our planet first.” Your thoughts?
I agree with Rob. There are so many potential benefits for the whole planet out there to be exploited. It will take global co-operation to make it happen. Fascinating interview so far. More and more questions for Lewis, keep coming to mind : )
Good interview & good questions, thought provoking. I wonder if it will take us longer to get out there if only private money funds stuff from now on? it seems to me that serious private research & development money only comes from businesses that have already made it - and so far private companies are just experimenting (and praise be to Carl Sagan that they are). I think public, big ticket, government money will be essential if we are to get out there quickly and create new, sustainable planetary homes i.e. to beat Prof. Stephen Hawking's prediction of 1,000 years left for mankind unless we get off this planet.
Really interesting stuff. This was touched upon by Jenny on URBNFUTR too: http://urbnfutr.com/2011/11/a-voyage-to-the-futur...
NICE!
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