The countries or alliances that have the economical power to back that up. So the US, China, Russia and India are good candidates. The EU, provided it works together well. Japan would be lacking in critical mass I guess, on the world stage it won't get any further than a secondary role.
Settling the moon is still a pipe dream because we haven't solved the problem of how to dig ourselves out of the Earth's gravity without using chemically powered rockets that have to be as big as skyscrapers to get a teensy-weensy payload there, followed by a miniscule bit of weight back.
A big leap in rocket propulsion is needed, and that's not going to happen anywhere in the near future.
Originally posted by AThousandYoungThis is all probably at least a century or two away -- by that time, the Great Powers will likely be totally new countries. Or maybe the whole idea of countries as we know it will have been replaced by something like non-territorial corporate bodies.
Once the Moon begins to be settled, and then Mars is investigated, and eyes are cast even further...when there are the first conflicts and then Space Navies...who will be the Great Powers?
US, Russia, China, EU, India? Japan?
Originally posted by AThousandYoungWow don't tell that to the people taking off in a few weeks they will be very disappointed.
The USA can't get into orbit these days.
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html
Just can't help yourself can you thousand? gotta run down the US every time you touch the keyboard or open yer mouth, without any thought about whether it's true or not
Originally posted by AThousandYoungI would say all those you listed will have a space presence. I don't have an opinion regarding space exploration, but I do think it would be wise for America to get it's financial house in order, before funding anymore space projects.
Once the Moon begins to be settled, and then Mars is investigated, and eyes are cast even further...when there are the first conflicts and then Space Navies...who will be the Great Powers?
US, Russia, China, EU, India? Japan?
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Originally posted by Sam The ShamOh, ok. The Shuttles won't be retired until next year. Sorry. They were supposed to be retired about now but I guess they're extending their service.
Wow don't tell that to the people taking off in a few weeks they will be very disappointed.
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html
Just can't help yourself can you thousand? gotta run down the US every time you touch the keyboard or open yer mouth, without any thought about whether it's true or not
Each of the three Shuttles has one trip left apparently.
I didn't realize NASA stopped using Russia rockets as they were doing in 2004.
Originally posted by AThousandYoungcracks in the main tank and shuttle launch is postponed indefinitely. at least as of a few days ago.
Oh, ok. The Shuttles won't be retired until next year. Sorry. They were supposed to be retired about now but I guess they're extending their service.
Each of the three Shuttles has one trip left apparently.
I didn't realize NASA stopped using Russia rockets as they were doing in 2004.