AmericanMartian

Speaking of JWST, I understand there are some projects that have been invested in too much to allow to fail but...will there ever be a line? Has NASA learned how to deal with cost overruns from the debacle of this endeavor? Or does it consider the awe and inspiration likely to be generated a justifiable cost?

I'm every bit the fuck up that the next guy is, I make big mistakes, I can drink too much and say things I shouldn't.

TIL I have a lot in common with Andrew McMahon. I can die happy.

Thanks very much for the answer!

As a follow-up, could you define "most airtight vehicle?" Did other vehicles have slow leaks while in vacuum?

What makes Orion a truly "deep space" mode of transportation?

I would think that on any long-term journey, an additional habitation module would be included, so the radiation shielding on the capsule itself wouldn't necessarily need to be better. Is it just the heat shield for higher re-entry speeds?

Thanks for the AMA!

Hope they answer these. Great questions!