Our endgame is a space-faring civilization, isn’t it? Ditch digging on Mars won’t make us space-farers. It would make us ditch diggers.

The oil of space is water, and the water is in the outer reaches of the solar system - it is so chock-full of water there that the spit on our planet disappears in comparison. However, the planetary objects in our system (and, from what we know currently, in other systems) are not suitable for colonization, and don’t even start me on terraforming - what is just a single click in a video game in the real world would take tremendous amounts of resources and time with the hope that we can somehow fine-tune the planet to be Earth-like. And even after terraforming, Mars will still have unhealthy low gravity.

The Moon is one common type of object that we have to learn to deal with. This is how you reach Neptune and beyond. You know, scientists expect to find more minor and major planets in the outer solar system - terraform that. It is also suspected that rogue planets may outnumber stars, and there is a good chance that there are rogue planets closer to us than Proxima b is. The “planet colonization” mindset won’t get us far; we need to learn to “live off the land.”

A true space-faring civilization may shrug off a planet like Mars. Now, I’m not saying that we should completely ignore it, since it is the next best thing closest to our homeworld and establishing some presence there is a rather low-hanging fruit compared to smelting regolith to build a rotating wheel space station. But Mars should not distract us from what has to be done to win the endgame.

As the title says, what would you say are the best job titles or field of work to gain experience that will prepare you and/or make you eligible for manufacturing engineering level roles? Is it something like an assembly technician level position, or should it go in a more specific field of work (what aligns best for a broad skill set that can be applied to most all mfg engr positions)?

I have several years of composites and some machining experience at the individual part level for aircraft as a manufacturing engineer, so was wondering if getting into say, an assembly level position caters more to what might be looked for in a candidate so they (I) gain more experience in the hardware involved, so as to better compliment skills to the work involved.

I like Blue as a company and I think there is a clear purpose to what they do. However something annoys me and it might be even wrong: They call New shepard guests astronauts. This is the company that names its rockets after real astronauts as homage. Am I wrong to feel a little off? Would it be so bad if they call their customers tourists instead of astronauts?

Blue Origin apparently wants to get to manned missions:

Blue Origin is getting serious about developing a human spacecraft
Company seeks: "Experience with human spaceflight or high-performance aircraft systems?"
ERIC BERGER – MAR 4, 2024 10:10 AM |
https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/03/blue-origin-staffing-up-to-build-a-human-spacecraft/

If you gave the New Shepard capsule a heat shield would that be enough for it to act as an orbital capsule?

Two bVery excited for January 10th.

2 rockets on 1 day. Hope they are both successful

When New Glenn finally goes up, will there be multiple cameras to watch, kind of like space x? Id love to ride along on New Glenns first launch, does anyone know?

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(Image credit: Blue Origin)

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I know it seems trivial, but I love when we get these little keepsakes. I can't wait to watch New Glenn fly next week. So much hard work from many of us. LFG! 🚀

Place your bets.

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Wondering if anyone has any useful insight into this position out of the space coast.

What is salary range? It is only posted for CO and CA.

What is work life balance like?

Ability to work remote?

Any other insight would be greatly appreciated!!

https://blueorigin.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/BlueOrigin/job/Mission-Operations-Engineer_R47752

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is finally on the pad and ready for its highly anticipated maiden flight. This marks a monumental moment for the space industry as Blue Origin takes a leap into orbital spaceflight. From the innovative Blue Ring payload to booster recovery on Jacklyn, we dive into everything you need to know about this historic launch. Plus, a detailed look at New Glenn’s BE-4 engines, giant fairings, and future missions, including Blue Moon and Project Kuiper. Will this launch set the tone for Blue Origin’s reusable rocket ambitions? Join us as we unpack the details.....

https://youtu.be/4qfT1BMnh30?si=_m-d7URPbsQMpQ-J

and...

https://x.com/NASASpaceflight

Saw a position open, does anyone know the salary?