2 billion euros worth of space debris has been launched

[Angry Angel]

2 new space telescopes got launched a few hours ago by ESA with the hope of learning more about the origin of stars (Herschel) and the Big Bang (Planck).

BBC video

[Santaman]

Super hubble.. I hope this one doesn't need "glasses"

[RJDiogenes]

Can't wait to see what the Planck finds.

But the one I'm really excited about is the Kepler. Sometime in the next three years, we may find the first Earth-like planet.

[curiousa2z]

ok, this raises the question of whether this kind of funding should be spent on off-planet research equipment when there are plenty of people right here on Earth who could benifit from programs that money could have paid for - epecially in these days of economic down turn.
Thoughts, anyone?

[RJDiogenes]

No, more money is wasted on less important stuff. The Arts & Sciences are what life is all about. If we stopped living until everything was perfect, not only would everything never be perfect, but there would be no point in living.

If money is to be diverted to the needy, it should be from things like sports or religion or Trek XI.

[curiousa2z]

lol...couldn't resist, could you?

[Angry Angel]

Having worked/studied at ESA I can understand the necessity of the money and the research ... as an outside observer ... both NASA and ESA could undertake a bit more effort and projects to show the usefulness and worth of such programs, especially in this age. You can say what you want about the reason behind the Apollo program, but it at least had some spirit.

[RJDiogenes]

^^ Indeed. There was massive public support and interest. Now there's massive apathy.

lol...couldn't resist, could you?