The long-grounded Deep Space Climate Observatory may be revived for an assignment very different from the controversial mission that was cancelled for its infamous mix of politics and science.
I support this project. We ought to have a camera at that location. The Blue Marble image is one of the most widely distributed pictures in human history and it has had a significant impact on people's perspective about the world. The composite images are not comparable - people want to see the real thing - Really looking down upon our world holds a power that is hard to quantify. Once it exists people will use it everywhere. The Republicans killed this project for cynical political reasons. By the time it became a political issue $97 million had already been spent - and was thus wasted by failing to launch. Throwing $97 million down the drain is not fiscally responsible! |