<story><title>NASA aims for first manned SpaceX mission in first-quarter 2020</title><url>https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-spacex/nasa-aims-for-first-manned-spacex-mission-in-first-quarter-2020-idUSKBN1WP1CS</url></story><parent_chain><item><author>umvi</author><text>Is there much value in sending humans into space besides studying how the human body deteriorates in microgravity?</text></item><item><author>tzfld</author><text>Overall, the fact that the US experiencing the longest period without capability of sending humans into space seems to be a serious organizational problem.</text></item></parent_chain><comment><author>Jwarder</author><text>With the caveat up front that I&amp;#x27;m a huge idealist about space: I think humanity would greatly benefit from building large populations in space.  Once the systems are in place then any power generation, industry, or agriculture done in space means less pollution here on earth.  Solar energy is &amp;quot;free&amp;quot;, asteroids are &amp;quot;free&amp;quot;.&lt;p&gt;The setup isn&amp;#x27;t trivial, but in the long run I think it is best for everyone.</text></comment>
<story><title>NASA aims for first manned SpaceX mission in first-quarter 2020</title><url>https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-spacex/nasa-aims-for-first-manned-spacex-mission-in-first-quarter-2020-idUSKBN1WP1CS</url></story><parent_chain><item><author>umvi</author><text>Is there much value in sending humans into space besides studying how the human body deteriorates in microgravity?</text></item><item><author>tzfld</author><text>Overall, the fact that the US experiencing the longest period without capability of sending humans into space seems to be a serious organizational problem.</text></item></parent_chain><comment><author>wingspar</author><text>It forces and tests improvements in life-support systems?Generation, recycling, shielding, long term impact of humans on these systems.&lt;p&gt;All things that are needed for future exploration&amp;#x2F;colonization.</text></comment>