A discussion in The Introduction thread revealed that a surprising number of us are interested in science, space exploration, aeronautics and rocketry, and somebody suggested this needs a proper thread.
So: here it is. This thread is for discussing Real-World science, space and rocketry. Try to avoid descending too deeply into Sci-Fi and games, but it should be fine to compare RL with Sci-Fi and games, and vice versa.
It would also be a very good idea to avoid discussing the very many conspiracy theories that are attracted to the subject: these tend to be extremely divisive, and I've seen communities become severely disrupted by such topics and good forum members banned for taking sides on the truth of such theories.
Specific examples of discussion suitable for this thread would be:
NASA's current projects, past glories and ambitions.
The ISS.
SpaceX -- commercialization of space and reusable rockets.
Colonizing Mars?
Skylon, Sabre and Reaction Engines Ltd.
High-performance aircraft.
Model rockets.
The space shuttle.
Rocket technology.
etc.
EDIT: Changed title to "Aerospace", because they are very closely associated. And Skylon is VERY much aerospace, as was the shuttle.