[Would it be possible to re-fund NASA for the Apollo Applications Program (or derivates)]

Sure we can, just find oil on Mars

[Qualifying to become an astronaut might not be as hard as you think. Also, NASA is hiring.]

Ive considered it. Im in pretty decent shape (I can run a six minute mile, do 50 push-ups, and eat moderately well), I have an aptitude for science (I plan to become either an engineer, or a physicist), and Im fairly good with people. The perks of the job are obvious, both professionally and personally, and it would be an honor to travel into space, im just not sure if I'd like to spend a good chunk of my life towards becoming an astronaut.

[Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles VS Orbital Assembly]

Really depends on what you have to do. Designing a Rocket to lift 5x as much mass as the previous generation, might take a decade. Whereas using 6 launches, the extra launch to make up for the necessary docking equipment, will only take a couple of years

[Would you cheat death?]

I wouldn't mind living for a couple thousand years, if I can dedicate my time to learning

[Representing earth; what should we give aliens if they show up?]

Definitely not medical textbooks, and it wouldn't be wise to give them any sort of encyclopedia. Should the aliens not be so benevolent, we'll probably not want to give them such vital information as to our bodies, weapons, and history.

What might not be a terrible idea is for us to send philosophical texts, as I believe that those present the human race in the best light

[Would it be feasible to actually use guns as a propulsion source?]

Yeah, firearm ammo is pretty expensive, particularly for automatic rifles.

[Why do people make so many NASA conspiracy Theories?]

Probably involves the general American distrust of government, but NASA probably isn't the best target for this distrust

[The original Orion capsule was going to be even bigger than it currently is?]

"Accomplish" what? What is learning more about a dead planet going to help people on earth? Manned mission life support and planning may sound cool, but in what concrete way will it help people on earth, versus researching, oh, I dunno, aging, disease, and death.

"Accomplish" what? What is learning more about the sun going to help people on earth? Gravity and orbits may sound cool, but in what concrete way will it help people on earth, versus researching, oh, I dunno, arrow wounds, gun powder, and the plague.

The ramifications of today's discoveries reach far into tomorrow.

[What would be the easiest way to OBLITERATE THE ENTIRE PLANET?]

1. Mine asteroids for uranium

2. Use uranium for hydrogen bomb triggers

3. fill much of the planet with hydrogen bombs.

4. ????

5. Profit!

[Why do coilguns have to have a straight barrel?]

Because centrifugal acceleration will fling any potential round to the outside, and thus tear up the barrel

[Legalities of space mining - SPACE act of 2015]

I think it's great, I couldnt really see any reason for objection.

The free market is the most powerful driving force in history, and with this, itll launch us into space.

[I represent an interstellar civilization, What does Earth offer for export?]

Why do Americans go to Central America?

To see the sights, eat the food (Which could likely be made edible, Id be surprised if Aliens didn't utilize similar organic compounds for energy), may be build a school or two.

[Smarter than a monkey (about science) test.]

12/12. Conclusion: I am four monkeys.

All within a trench coat

[Don't nuke mars, please]

IF you ask me, the martians deserved it. We should bomb them back to the rust age

[Doomsday begins in 3 years.]

Imagine that one is endowed with the knowledge that a societal collapse is imminent. Presuming that the collapse is impossible to stop, what steps would you take to maximize the likelihood you will survive.

Assume these things:

Collapse is due to a disease.

Technology is at roughly the same level three years from now

You cannot stop the disease.

[Would you cheat death?]

IF i could retain my youth, id certainly like to live for a couple thousand years. During that time, Id like to learn as much as I can, developing both my mind, and my body.

[Don't nuke mars, please]

Life adapts, be when less strength is needed, the structure has less strength.

There's no reason why regular strength training couldnt aid to this extent. It may also be required to place exceptionally young children into centrifuges whilst they sleep.

Bone density might be the biggest issue, but it may be possible to use a weighting system similar to the ones used in "Harrison Bergeron".

At the end of the day, regular travel wouldn't be required, and there's no particular reason why, if all else fails, a mechanical system couldnt be used

We know for certain that grown men and women have trouble coming home from weightlessness. And they're already developed.

To be fair, they've had very little exercise for several months

[Math and science skills as adults are protective]

What the hell guys, focus on the post

[Space Warfare - How would the ships be built/designed?]

Almost entirely automated, unless distance proves to be an impossible barrier.

Perhaps a manned carrier vehicle, operating drones

[Boeing's Starliner]

The only appropriate name: Freedom

[ISS veggies on the menu for the first time]

Chickens might result in slightly harder working of air conditioning....

[For Questions That Don't Merit Their Own Thread]

Hey, in the Heisenberg uncertainty equation, what does a measure of uncertainty mean?

Does it mean a margin of error?

[Why does gravity get weaker with distance?]

So past Jupiter (like @Ralathon mentioned) each photon is carrying less energy? That would means for me it is getting weaker.

It's more of a quirk in geometry than anything. Besides, where would the lost energy go?

[A Question About Orbits]

No inherent force would cause the satellite to turn, so it would retain orientation.

[Out of Control Candle]

This was EXACTLY my first thought. I am pretty sure this is what happened.

When we were told this in school, they never really properly drove home the message.