NASA's Orion Space Capsule Is Flaming Garbage

Lori Garver, former NASA Deputy Administrator, has interesting additional context on the matter.

https://x.com/Lori_Garver/status/1985147604121092154

“From an anthropological point of view the SLS and Orion are a fascinating set of artifacts, living embodiments of a mentality that supposes that a lunar landing would be possible if only the Moon were a little bit closer and had zero surface gravity. If only.”

> Let us summarize. Orion is: Superfluous... Insanely expensive... Delayed well beyond the point of sanity... Irredeemably unsafe...

An amazing critique. I've never read anything with so many "wtf?" and "omg!" moments.

Why do neckbeards care so much about space? I mean, the meltdowns about "integrity" and "math" are fun, but I just don't get why they do it.

The author gives an interesting history of their writing:

- “SLS: Is cancellation too good?”

- “SLS is still a national disgrace”.

- Dittemore’s Law: "after the Shuttle flight director whose fateful call sealed the fate of the seven astronauts who perished in the Columbia disaster."

and now,

- "NASA’s Orion Space Capsule Is Flaming Garbage"

What it tells me is that they are interested in click-bait, and nothing about the issues. Also, as with any discussion of these issues, it's almost impossible due to misinformation overload by SpaceX fans (which is really the point of misinformation - to prevent discussion).

Still cheaper and more bang for buck than propping up Argentina. Pretty low bar, admittedly.