Private sponsorship of space probes?

[Sticks]

A while back there was a rumour that NASA was going to close the Mars Rover programme (or was it Voyager) on cost grounds, even though the craft was still functioning. I believe they have done that now with Pioneer 10.

How much does it cost to keep these things going after initial launch?

Could we have private commercial corporations stepping in to provide sponsorship funding, in return the name of the probe has the name of the sponsoring company, like the Cadburys Mars Rover or the Hershey Hoygans probe.

Would anyone object if it meant science could continue at NASA?

Could this be a way forward?

[Doodler]

like the Cadburys Mars Rover or the Hershey Hoygans probe.

If that's the price, they can keep the money.

[novaderrik]

i can see it now- William Shatner stadning in the control room at JPL saying
"this group of images from the Opportunity rover is brought to you by Priceline.com"

[gaetanomarano]

Could we have private commercial corporations stepping in to provide sponsorship funding, in return the name of the probe has the name of the sponsoring company, like the Cadburys Mars Rover or the Hershey Hoygans probe.

I agree since I've suggested this option 1.5 years ago http://www.gaetanomarano.it/moonprize/moonprize.html

.

[Nicolas]

And at least one moth before that, this pic went around the world:

http://www.sodamnfunny.com/Picture/Product/nasa.jpg

[gaetanomarano]

And at least one moth before that, this pic went around the world: http://www.sodamnfunny.com/Picture/Product/nasa.jpg

"before or after" it's an excellent idea... why don't apply it (also) to save the Shuttle and move the Hubble?

.

[Nicolas]

Save the shuttle: no, because they've reached EOL and will be replaced.
Move Hubble: no, because there's no point to it.

But private sponsorship of NASA projects seems like a good idea to me if it can save projects. On the other hand, the system of subcontractors also is a form of private sponsorship, but it's hidden in a system that generates the services needed, contracts for companies, job offers, increased knowledge...

[gaetanomarano]

...they've reached EOL...

no, the Shuttles will reach soon ONLY their "politically decided EOL"

Move Hubble

if privates want to move/save it, they can (no matter if you're against it)
.

[Nicolas]

If privates want to move or save hubble, they can't, because it's not their property.

But anyway these pet idea discussions are not to be held in this thread, which is only about private sponsorship of space missions.

Come to think about it, space tourism in a way also is private sponsorship.

[gaetanomarano]

If privates want to move or save hubble, they can't, because it's not their property.

of course, private sponsors may only give the funds to do that (since they are not able to move the Hubble)

...is only about private sponsorship of space missions...

save, move, repair and upgrade the Hubble actually ARE "space missions"
.

[Nicolas]

That was not my point...

[Doodler]

And at least one moth before that, this pic went around the world:

http://www.sodamnfunny.com/Picture/Product/nasa.jpg

If I saw the shuttle decked out like that, I'd personally fire the shoulder mounted Stinger missile at it.

This is NASA, not NASCAR.

[Nicolas]

At least we stick to nice little flags at ESA.

[Doodler]

Flags of sponsoring nations aren't bad, even the logos of the participating agencies isn't a major problem. When your wasting thousands of pounds in glue, paint, and decal doing a head to nozzle marketing job, we've got a few priorities out of whack.

[Nicolas]

As a weight saving decision, we got rid of the 35m high "this side up" marking on the Ariane 5. I feel we got a bit loose on the safety aspect there.

[publiusr]

Nice image of A5.

Now I think the Genesis and Stardust spacecraft (minus the aeroshells of course) are still out there. I wonder if they will be passing near any recently discovered objects...if any.

[Nicolas]

The ATV is a large beast! It's also amazing how large its Ariane adapter is. I'm sure they know what they're doing and hence the size of that structure really is necessary.

[novaderrik]

hmm..
i wonder if we'll ever send a probe to Uranus?
and i wonder if the folks at Preparation H would be willing to chip in a few million $$$...

[Lord Jubjub]

If that's the price, they can keep the money.

If that's the price, I'll take the money. I don't care if the devil himself gave a few millions to NASA. Money is money. Of course, being a libertarian, I may have fewer qualms about such things than other might. (I had thought of putting up an actual name for the devil, but thought better of it)

If they cover a rocket like they cover NASCAR competitors without adding additional weight (or if the sponsors are willing to pay for the additional weight) I'd would seriously consider any and all such sponsorship.

Though I would make a point that the sponsor would have no claim over the data the mission produced or any part of the mission once it left the pad.

[JonClarke]

I'd take the money too. It's a great idea if it increases the number of missions.

Jon

[Doodler]

If that's the price, I'll take the money. I don't care if the devil himself gave a few millions to NASA. Money is money. Of course, being a libertarian, I may have fewer qualms about such things than other might. (I had thought of putting up an actual name for the devil, but thought better of it)

If they cover a rocket like they cover NASCAR competitors without adding additional weight (or if the sponsors are willing to pay for the additional weight) I'd would seriously consider any and all such sponsorship.

Though I would make a point that the sponsor would have no claim over the data the mission produced or any part of the mission once it left the pad.

Meh, call me a nationalist, but the idea of whoring NASA to corporate marketing is utterly nauseating. I personally find the rampant commercialism running amok where a company can shell out a pittance to tattoo our culture with their damned logos to be scars on national pride. Are we that pathetic that we have to sell our soul and go begging hand to mouth to push the frontiers?

If NASA falls short because the US can't muster the will to support their mission, I'd sooner let it die until we are ready than bow to some boardroom sleezebag for a frelling handout. If there's a corporation that wants to participate in spaceflight as an actual investment, I welcome that. I will not tolerate seeing Orion turned into a billboard, or some putrid sponsorship nonsense naming convention like that which has marred the name of most of newer sports arenas and events. No real interest in the event itself other than a free ride for their name and obnoxious artwork.

Would you trade "Eagle" and "Columbia" for the "Fedex Command Module" and "Ford Lunar Excurion Module"? Sounds like it to me.

[Sticks]

But if you look at history, it was private interest that drove exploration, the incursions into the New World was to look for what wealth they could find.

Idealism is fine and nice and gives a warm feelings, but sometime we have to hold our noses and embrace pragmatism.

[Warren Platts]

Historically, some corporate sponsorships for sports arenas turn out OK (e.g., Wrigley Field)--other not so OK (e.g., Enron Field).

[Doodler]

Idealism is fine and nice and gives a warm feelings, but sometime we have to hold our noses and embrace pragmatism.

Ironic I find myself on the opposite end of that sentiment for once.

[Damburger]

Cadburys Mars probe?

I imagine the heat shield wouldn't be up to much...

[JonClarke]

How to people think that places like the Beardmore Glacier got their names? From sponsorship of expeditions.

Jon

[torque of the town]

Anne Summers Ltd with some of their battery operated products must be sponsorship source for Launch Vehicles......

[Lord Jubjub]

I wonder if the Eveready bunny could have been used to sponsor the Mars Rovers? Keeps going and going and. . .