jhoffma1

There are so many planets in the universe that it is almost certain that life exists in many places. However, whether any other life forms have evolved into what we would recognize as "intelligent" is something we can only speculate on.

There are many things that you can see in space that are weird and you might not be able to identify. That does not mean that they are spacecraft piloted by aliens.

On my last flight (STS-75 in 1996) we deployed the tethered satellite, a 1.5 m diameter sphere that remained attached to the shuttle by a 20 km long wire. Looking up at the wire disappearing into space, I felt like Jack looking up at the beanstalk!

I'm enthusiastic about it. However, Elon Musk now says that he has second thoughts about hypersonic retropropulsion for entry. He has said he will reveal his "new" plan at the IAC meeting next week, so stand by.

I'd go in an instant (but please don't tell my wife, who is happy that I am not flying anymore!)