In Michael Benson's article, Send it Somewhere Special, he proposes the the International Space Station (ISS) should be converted - expanded - into an interplanetary spacecraft.
I agree with Benson's proposal, because all of his reasoning makes perfect sense. Some of these reasons include...
1. The ISS is already suited for the purpose of space/planetary exploration - all it really needs are a few modifications, such as something to power and steer it.
2. Turning it into an interplanetary spacecraft would be better than the alternative - which would be retiring the shuttle or letting another country deal with it. Taking into account all of the money invested in it (hundreds of billions of dollars), this would be rediculous. Converting the shuttle in to something that can be used to explore our solar system is much more practical and economical.
3. It isn't doing anything right now - except for sitting in space. Why not make all of that money invested into the ISS worth it?
Basically, since NASA is planning on exploring other planets with the Constellation program, converting the ISS (which is currently serving no real purpose) would be the logical way to help make this exploration both economical and successful. I am all for Benson's proposal!
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