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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

As we all await the next launch of the Shuttle in a few scant hours, I have a thought or two...

My positive energy goes along with the machine and crew. Lighting those SRB's is always a gamble, and with a machine this old, I always fear a mishap. It's not a well designed flying machine from the human safety standpoint. All other space crafts prior had some sort of contingency plan of escape during launch, but not the Shuttles. Even the Mercury's had a better system than we got now. I hope the next generation incorporates a crew cabin jettison option.

What is the contingency if some of the tiles come loose? I haven't read about the backup Shuttle to come to the rescue at the ISS. I see that they are going to examine all angles now, during launch, in flight, and at the ISS...but again, if they find something...then what?

This is also a reflection on new NASA Admin Griffin. Now, I like him, he has vision and smarts, (unlike his predecessor), and I know he has checked and rechecked all angles, but things happen beyond all of our control. If we can have a safe mission, then he will be the one who brings NASA and the manned space program back.

I wonder what goes thru the minds of the astronauts now, what the Shuttle feels like...waiting there, bathed in spotlights and hissing.

Still, with the incident two years ago, people are still rather ignorant of what's going on. I had a brief conversation with a person last week who had no clue about the Shuttle and it's scheduled launch, and even asked me where was it going... .

I won't be able to watch this launch live, but I'll be listening and pushing the craft along.

God Speed to the STS-114 and her crew.

[Rocketman]

God speed will have to wait. Figures though, they shouldn't have planned it for the 13th anyway.

www.space.com/returntoflight/


I often get a bit teary eyed when there is a launch. I suppose it's one part that I'm worried about the great people on board, and one part never getting to go myself.

I know the shuttle program is on it's last leg, but there should be more people supporting NASA, rather than b****ing, and whining about everything they're trying to do. Ask yourself this, "Do I want the job of a big wheel at NASA?", I don't, because if something went wrong, I'd have to hear all the crap from people who don't give a flip about human space flight in the first place, they just want to gripe, and point fingers.

I applaud the great men, and women who put their lives on the line to explore space, and I think it's downright rotten that people put NASA, and the shuttle program down.

I remember February 01, 2003, I heard the loud thundering noise. If any of you live near a rail yard, then you will know what I mean when I say it sounded like train cars being rammed together. The debris field was about 50 miles (line of sight) South of where I live.

I hope that it wont take a long time to replace the faulty fuel tank sensor. I'm ready for them to get back up, and put all this crap behind them.

[Centaur]

rocketman2 said:

God speed will have to wait. Figures though, they shouldn't have planned it for the 13th anyway.

www.space.com/returntoflight/


I often get a bit teary eyed when there is a launch. I suppose it's one part that I'm worried about the great people on board, and one part never getting to go myself.

I know the shuttle program is on it's last leg, but there should be more people supporting NASA, rather than b****ing, and whining about everything they're trying to do. Ask yourself this, "Do I want the job of a big wheel at NASA?", I don't, because if something went wrong, I'd have to hear all the crap from people who don't give a flip about human space flight in the first place, they just want to gripe, and point fingers.

I applaud the great men, and women who put their lives on the line to explore space, and I think it's downright rotten that people put NASA, and the shuttle program down.

I remember February 01, 2003, I heard the loud thundering noise. If any of you live near a rail yard, then you will know what I mean when I say it sounded like train car being rammed together. The debris field was about 50 miles (line of sight) South of where I live.

I hope that it wont take a long time to replace the faulty fuel tank sensor. I'm ready for them to get back up, and put all this crap behind them.

Many of your sentiments were marvelous there, Grady, with notable exceptions at the points where it was implied there is something rotten with individuals who question the manned space program. Please have a little respect for the opinions of others before disparaging terms are invoked. Or to phrase it in the manner seen above, an argument may be dismissed by others as unworthy, if one simply resorts to b****ing and whining about those with contrary but well reasoned concerns.

[Rocketman]

Well if anyone gets "offended" at me voicing my opinion the way I want to, then I just as well not post.

As with all discussions, at least the ones that I've been involved in, not so much here as other places, I see that people are ready to pounce on my somewhat forward opinions. I suppose if I was one of the "in crowd" it would be alright.

I just get agitated when people try to tear down everything a person believes in, the Moon landings, etc. Other people have every right to disagree, that's what makes this forum work, but some of those people have a hole in their head... I'll leave that one alone ;D

I didn't mean to step on anyone's toes. I will keep in mind to keep my opinions minimal from now or not post them at all.

No sweat either way though.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Grady,

I myself, am rarely offended by a post. Your post wasn't acerbic or an attack on anyone and really...in support of manned spaceflight. Something we all push for. I rarely delete posts, as everybody's opinion is of value and it adds to the depth of the thread. I have had to ban a member only twice, and that was for crass and obscene attacks well beyond the measure outlined.

Now NASA does have it's share of problems, and I will directly post, (as I have many times before), that O'Keefe was incompetent as NASA administrator. NASA is well on it's way to fix the damage, and pointing out flaws helps to create awareness. Scuttling the Hubble is a perfect example. People went up in arms about the O'Keefe decision to send it to a fiery death. Even simple little ole me was asked by CBS news to comment. The Hubble seems to be on the right track now for repair...all from pointing out that it was a poor decision. Keeping quiet would have been just as wrong.

It has nothing to do with a "Clique", as astronomy is a worldwide passion, with different views of the same skies, making the observation multi-dimensional. Although the title is "The Chicago Astronomer", we have memberships worldwide...(the internet is quite amazing!). Your input here as the satellite expert is invaluable and you should feel confident in your ability and of your desire to share amateur astronomy with fellow astronomers. Everyone has a speciality and a favorite area of study, and I for one am quite humbled that our members willingly share their expertice with us all.

You "ain't" gonna please all, all of the time. So, don't worry about it. Different people, different styles and different ways of saying it. Now really....how boring this site would be if I just choose people who think just like me!.. It would be all Joe, all the time, and besides... I get criticized and corrected all the time! It means that people are paying attention, and feel strongly enough to respond. It's all cool! ;D We got a problem when the members become complacent and don't post. How many forums out there are quite "Dead"?

Every single one of the regular posters and lurkers here is appreciated, welcomed and anticipated.

[glow=Blue,2,300]Hail the Chicago Astronomers![/glow]

[Centaur]

admin said:

...in support of manned spaceflight. Something we all push for.

I'm afraid that's an unwarranted assumption.