02-12-2016, 04:12 AM
go obsolete in the 8 years it will take to build it.
I think ted has an incomplete idea of what defines obsolescence in science and technology.
For instance, it's often said the average smart phone has more capability than the Apollo spacecraft computers that flew to the moon. Technically this may be true as defined in bits, bytes, ram, and software. But we managed to get to the moon and back with "obsolete" 1960's computing power, made great discoveries, and returned with moon rocks, photos, video, and more. What do we accomplish with the latest smartphone technology in 2016? Go to Prince Kuhio Mall and see. You'll find kids texting their friends to decide what they want to do first, eat a 900 calorie dessert roll, or check out a movie.
Then there is the "obsolete" equipment on the Pluto Horizon mission. Years to plan and develop, then nine years to fly to Pluto. Everything on-board was completely outdated by the time it arrived. But here's the catch, if we launched the latest equipment today, it too would be "obsolete" by the time it arrived. By the logic of ted, we would never begin a mission, because better equipment is always right around the corner.
The same could be said for buying a car. Why buy one this year? Next year's models will be so much better.
Even beyond the technology, the observatories depend on a team of professionals who work together day after day, year after year, even decade after decade. They become proficient with their equipment, know it's capabilities, and understand their role working with that technology and other members of the team. That's why they specialize. That's why what they accomplish doesn't depend only on a brand new lens or mirror and why new technology won't replace what we already have... overnight.
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard
I think ted has an incomplete idea of what defines obsolescence in science and technology.
For instance, it's often said the average smart phone has more capability than the Apollo spacecraft computers that flew to the moon. Technically this may be true as defined in bits, bytes, ram, and software. But we managed to get to the moon and back with "obsolete" 1960's computing power, made great discoveries, and returned with moon rocks, photos, video, and more. What do we accomplish with the latest smartphone technology in 2016? Go to Prince Kuhio Mall and see. You'll find kids texting their friends to decide what they want to do first, eat a 900 calorie dessert roll, or check out a movie.
Then there is the "obsolete" equipment on the Pluto Horizon mission. Years to plan and develop, then nine years to fly to Pluto. Everything on-board was completely outdated by the time it arrived. But here's the catch, if we launched the latest equipment today, it too would be "obsolete" by the time it arrived. By the logic of ted, we would never begin a mission, because better equipment is always right around the corner.
The same could be said for buying a car. Why buy one this year? Next year's models will be so much better.
Even beyond the technology, the observatories depend on a team of professionals who work together day after day, year after year, even decade after decade. They become proficient with their equipment, know it's capabilities, and understand their role working with that technology and other members of the team. That's why they specialize. That's why what they accomplish doesn't depend only on a brand new lens or mirror and why new technology won't replace what we already have... overnight.
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves