NASA Discovery-What is your Opinion??

[LadyJeepFreak]

Progress, almost done....

Sooooooooo, who else has avidly been watching the space shuttle news after it went up last week? I have and I can't find enough to read or watch. It's fascinating let alone insane that they are in the predicament they are in now.

Have you seen the pitch maneuver they have over at www.nasa.gov ? It's kick arse awesome and the first time ever done. The images coming back from space are just so crisp and clear as well. It's more than a space nut could ever ask for.

**Please disregard my poll. I read the news very late! LOL

P.S. My heart goes out to the crew on thier trip home, whenever that may be. Thier courage and bravado to further our human knowledge of the universe and explain what is out there is commendable. I hope they get here safe and sound.

LadyJeep

 

[90Xjay]

RE: DEATH WOBBLE TERROR

unless something has changed, the last word I had was the shuttle looked ok to re-enter from the pics take from the ISS.

I do think some of those morons who work at NASA and are so-called "Rocket-Scientist" should have there butts fired for not fixing this problem the last two and a half years.

Heck just call Burt Ratan, he got a guy in space and brought him back twice in under 2 weeks on a shoe string budget.

 

[LadyJeepFreak]

Discovery’s heat protective tiles and thermal blankets are deemed safe for re-entry, said mission manager Wayne Hale in a press conference late Saturday afternoon. More inspection of the reinforced carbon-carbon wing leading edges and protruding gap fillers will be done before the Shuttle survey is complete.

The Shuttle still appears to be in good shape for a safe return home. “The orbiter is performing flawlessly,” Hale said.

Discovery and its crew will also get an extra day in space as the mission of STS-114 has been extended.

STS-114 Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi and Steve Robinson completed the first of their three spacewalks at the International Space Station at 12:36 p.m. EDT Saturday.

Space Station and Shuttle crewmembers unloaded equipment and supplies from the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and transferred them to the Station.

STS-114 Pilot Jim Kelly used the Shuttle’s robot arm to conduct more focused inspections of Discovery’s wing edges.

Tomorrow, the crews will prepare for the second spacewalk and complete equipment and supply transfers.
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Hey I have been out today, apparantly they decided this afternoon they are safe. That is good news! Ya'll still need to go look at the pics and videos! 90, I agree. They should have never even had damage like this after thier recent experiences.

Lady

 

[90Xjay]

Now a NASA rant....

Look at what we accomplished as a nation in the 60's when President Kennedy set a goal to send a man to the moon! Those guys got together and made outstanding leaps forward in technology to accomplish that goal.
They just got it done and yes we lost life because space travel is inherently dangerous The corporate climate that has taken over NASA has killed it's heart and spirit of what it once was. Like other good meaning government programs, NASA has become filled with too many “Managers” and not brilliant minds that are allowed to push the envelope to see just what we can do and where we can go .

90

 

[TwistedCU]

What the hell are they doing up there anyway? It's a pretty pricey hobby our government has ain't it?

 

[Inspector-Gadget]

90Xjay wrote:

Look at what we accomplished as a nation in the 60's when President Kennedy set a goal to send a man to the moon! Those guys got together and made outstanding leaps forward in technology to accomplish that goal.

Agreed!

I have from time to time wondered why an organization along the lines of the 60s NASA has never been tried for the field of medicine. That is; stuff a train-load of brilliant doctors and medical researchers into one research complex, inspire them with a common purpose, and give them a NASA-sized budget.

A giant caduceus on the front gate as a logo would be a nice touch.

I have a feeling that if that were done, several now terminal/debilitating diseases would be beaten in short order.

Regards,

Gadget

 

[Junkpile]

RE: Re: RE: Overflow 88 Cherokee

And where is my flying car? According to every science fiction movie made since the fifties, I'm supposed to have a damn flying car. Now where is is? :x

Space stations? Exploring distant planets? Looking for other life forms?.....it's all just a bunch of crap, I want my flying car. NASA needs to get it's priorities in order, if you ask me.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

A giant caduceus on the front gate as a logo would be a nice touch.

I have a feeling that if that were done, several now terminal/debilitating diseases would be beaten in short order.

Regards,

Gadget

Good thought, Gadget. However, when I was in paramedic school, I read somewhere that the caduceus isn't the right emblem for medicine. The caduceus is actually the emblem for money and wealth (although, perhaps with today's system, maybe it is correct).

 

[LadyJeepFreak]

Actually, NASA does do medical research on the ISS. They have been for quite some time. I thought it was interesting myself. Here is neat link to the ISS:

http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/ISS_OVR/

Research on the International Space Station

The International Space Station will establish an unprecedented state-of-the-art laboratory complex in orbit, more than four times the size and with almost 60 times the electrical power for experiments — critical for research capability — of Russia's Mir. Research in the station's six laboratories will lead to discoveries in medicine, materials and fundamental science that will benefit people all over the world. Through its research and technology, the station also will serve as an indispensable step in preparation for future human space exploration.

Examples of the types of U.S. research that will be performed aboard the station include:

· Protein crystal studies: More pure protein crystals may be grown in space than on Earth. Analysis of these crystals helps scientists better understand the nature of proteins, enzymes and viruses, perhaps leading to the development of new drugs and a better understanding of the fundamental building blocks of life. Similar experiments have been conducted on the Space Shuttle, although they are limited by the short duration of Shuttle flights. This type of research could lead to the study of possible treatments for cancer, diabetes, emphysema and immune system disorders, among other research.

· Tissue culture: Living cells can be grown in a laboratory environment in space where they are not distorted by gravity. NASA already has developed a Bioreactor device that is used on Earth to simulate, for such cultures, the effect of reduced gravity. Still, these devices are limited by gravity. Growing cultures for long periods aboard the station will further advance this research. Such cultures can be used to test new treatments for cancer without risking harm to patients, among other uses.

· Life in low gravity: The effects of long-term exposure to reduced gravity on humans – weakening muscles; changes in how the heart, arteries and veins work; and the loss of bone density, among others – will be studied aboard the station. Studies of these effects may lead to a better understanding of the body’s systems and similar ailments on Earth. A thorough understanding of such effects and possible methods of counteracting them is needed to prepare for future long-term human exploration of the solar system. In addition, studies of the gravitational effects on plants, animals and the function of living cells will be conducted aboard the station. A centrifuge, located in the Centrifuge Accommodation Module, will use centrifugal force to generate simulated gravity ranging from almost zero to twice that of Earth. This facility will imitate Earth’s gravity for comparison purposes; eliminate variables in experiments; and simulate the gravity on the Moon or Mars for experiments that can provide information useful for future space travels.

· Flames, fluids and metal in space: Fluids, flames, molten metal and other materials will be the subject of basic research on the station. Even flames burn differently without gravity. Reduced gravity reduces convection currents, the currents that cause warm air or fluid to rise and cool air or fluid to sink on Earth. This absence of convection alters the flame shape in orbit and allows studies of the combustion process that are impossible on Earth, a research field called Combustion Science. The absence of convection allows molten metals or other materials to be mixed more thoroughly in orbit than on Earth. Scientists plan to study this field, called Materials Science, to create better metal alloys and more perfect materials for applications such as computer chips. The study of all of these areas may lead to developments that can enhance many industries on Earth.

· The nature of space: Some experiments aboard the station will take place on the exterior of the station modules. Such exterior experiments can study the space environment and how long-term exposure to space, the vacuum and the debris, affects materials. This research can provide future spacecraft designers and scientists a better understanding of the nature of space and enhance spacecraft design. Some experiments will study the basic forces of nature, a field called Fundamental Physics, where experiments take advantage of weightlessness to study forces that are weak and difficult to study when subject to gravity on Earth. Experiments in this field may help explain how the universe developed. Investigations that use lasers to cool atoms to near absolute zero may help us understand gravity itself. In addition to investigating basic questions about nature, this research could lead to down-to-Earth developments that may include clocks a thousand times more accurate than today’s atomic clocks; better weather forecasting; and stronger materials.

· Watching the Earth: Observations of the Earth from orbit help the study of large-scale, long-term changes in the environment. Studies in this field can increase understanding of the forests, oceans and mountains. The effects of volcanoes, ancient meteorite impacts, hurricanes and typhoons can be studied. In addition, changes to the Earth that are caused by the human race can be observed. The effects of air pollution, such as smog over cities; of deforestation, the cutting and burning of forests; and of water pollution, such as oil spills, are visible from space and can be captured in images that provide a global perspective unavailable from the ground.

· Commercialization: As part of the Commercialization of space research on the station, industries will participate in research by conducting experiments and studies aimed at developing new products and services. The results may benefit those on Earth not only by providing innovative new products as a result, but also by creating new jobs to make the products.

 

[prariepunk]

RE: Re: Attention all in OHIO

And where is my flying car? According to every science fiction movie made since the fifties, I'm supposed to have a damn flying car. Now where is it? :x

Oh, what fun would that be what kinda top speed are we talking about, 250mph?...... nah, FASTER :twisted:
I'd rather have wings than a flying car

 

[90Xjay]

gadget wrote

I have a feeling that if that were done, several now terminal/debilitating diseases would be beaten in short order.

and alot of mega rich cancer doctors and a whole industry would be "threatened"
Yes, it is sad, but curing disease has become political

Still, I don't see the bang for our buck that the country used to get out of NASA

 

[Saurian]

Back in the day, hell my freaking parents and grandparents told me about the space launches; it was one of those things that just brought the entire nation to a standstill, everyone stopped what the hell they were doing and watched the space launch... And back in the day in school, in the '80s/90s, I seem to recall seeing a couple of them in my earlier years, around the groundbreaking Cable in the Classroom days.

I think the big problem is that nobody cares anymore. I'm using a broad brush, I know, but I heard about the space launch from my AOL news window... And I have radios and TVs here at the house, and I do watch the morning news, but as far as dedicated coverage goes, well, it just doesn't happen anymore. It's gonna be very hard for future presidents to push any kind of funding for the space industry if nobody gives a damn about what they're funding... I agree, the NASA of the '60s did some legendary and groundbreaking things, today, well... Naturally, any sort of travel is inherently dangerous, but sending 20 year old museum pieces into space just to tool around a bit seems a little foolhardy.

And my final thought, and I wish I was conveying what's on my mind better, it looks good up there, but I just woke back up after not getting sleep for 2 days, but how the hell many millions, of not billions of dollars were just spent over the course of the last two years to have the SAME PROBLEM HAPPEN AGAIN?!?

 

[Sparky-Watts]

I was but a wee lad when the Apollo missions were going on. I can remember the entire school cramming into the lunchroom to watch the launch on the one TV that some teacher was kind enough to bring in.....black and white, no less....of course the entire school was maybe 100 kids, 10 teachers, two cooks, and a one-handed janitor. Then while the crew was up, there was constant coverage on TV, explaining every aspect of the mission in detail as it happened. We stayed glued to our TVs the whole time in amazement. Hell, Columbia came apart and I didn't even know they were up. Challenger exploded and I didn't even know they were going up. It's sad that we've lost the excitement.

 

[jps4jeep]

I am starting to think that the space shuttles need to be sold on ebay, and new ones bought. Perhaps they are having employee discounts on space shuttle too?

 

[graewulf]

What the hell are they doing up there anyway? It's a pretty pricey hobby our government has ain't it?

Hobby? hardly.. many of the gadgets and technologies that you take for granted were developed directly for, or as a result of, space travel. Everything from TV dinners to velcro to many of the plastics that we now use were developed as a result of sending people into space. Every time the space shuttle went up, they ran experiments on how to improve technology. Every time a new spacecraft gets launched there are new technologies being implemented, which trickle down into your microwave ovens, dvd players, and cell phones.

 

[redrooster]

The only complaint I have is that they spent 2.5 Billion dollars on a 20 year old vehicle and didn't fix the problem. WTF???
Stupid styrofoam. Put some JB Weld on it and bring her home.

 

[LadyJeepFreak]

Thank you Grae, at least someone understands the value of NASA around here. Oh, and they are working on new rocket and carrie vehicles now. Of course, the 30 year old ships need to be retired. Still, when you put that much money and time into such a huge peice of equipment, can you understand why they are still using them? If you are complaining now about the costs of this type of program how much more would you complain if they really were popping up new rockets and carriers every 10 or so years? Imagine how much the program would cost then.

I toured a NASA facility locally recently and was amazed at the facts I learned about the value of thier programs and the sheer detail that goes into them. It's a weather and science related facility, not a shuttle launhing facility but they send sounding rockets up several times a year to test hypothosises and research things.

For the life of me, I can't understand why if we aren't landing on some distant planet looking for a green martian with antenna that the average american isn't happy with what our space program is doing or spending money on.

Of course, if alien life is all your interested in then you've lost the whole grasp of this and other programs NASA (and other international space partners) operates. No wonder you don't know when launches are going up or when people are dying to do so.

I will give you on the fact that news coverage isn't what it used to be on these topics. There is so much more going on in the world now that we keep up on in the news segments that we lose grasp on what is going on right here in the U.S.

I grew up watching shuttle launches in the classroom too. The only difference between myself and some of you is that I carried on the basic interest in NASA and it's value into adulthood. I take time to pursue my own information and follow up on the program and the agency. That's a personal thing. I'm just saying that just because the U.S. media doesn't feed NASA to me doesnt' mean It's not important.

I don't see any of us out there doing anything even a fraction as important and dangerous just to advance humankind and further our knowledge of the universe.

Today I heard there is still doubt about bringing this crew home. That saddens me and gives me anxiety. I can't imagine how them and thier families are feeling in light of this. It was such an accomplishment to get back up in the air again and to have this doubt hanging over thier heads has to be a huge dissapointment. I continue to keep the crew and thier families in my thoughts as we await thier return, whenver that may be. I also hope the agency and thier goals stay around for a long long time.

*steps off soapbox*
Lady

 

[redrooster]

NASA is a major employer here in good ole Hunstvegas. They build the rocket boosters among other things here. I am pro-NASA, but my previous statement still stands.
I love the fact that we have the freedom to send a kajillion dollar shuttle in space to run tests on a 7th graders science project. You can only find a better example of freedom in the welfare line (getting something for nothing).

 

[90Xjay]

Appliance rim

Hobby? hardly.. many of the gadgets and technologies that you take for granted were developed directly for, or as a result of, space travel. Everything from TV dinners to velcro to many of the plastics that we now use were developed as a result of sending people into space.

'

True, but most of what you listed came from the 1960's and early 70's.

It's not what NASA has done for us, but what has NASA done for us "lately" - I just still think that the program has changed too much and not for the better. The Shuttles are old and how far along is the next generation of reusable vehicles?

I don't want to pick a fight over NASA with you Lady, but too many chiefs and not enough indians or a mulitude of other administrative barriers has held the program back and caused failures..

90

 

[Sparky-Watts]

What the hell are they doing up there anyway? It's a pretty pricey hobby our government has ain't it?

Hobby? hardly.. many of the gadgets and technologies that you take for granted were developed directly for, or as a result of, space travel. Everything from TV dinners to velcro to many of the plastics that we now use were developed as a result of sending people into space. Every time the space shuttle went up, they ran experiments on how to improve technology. Every time a new spacecraft gets launched there are new technologies being implemented, which trickle down into your microwave ovens, dvd players, and cell phones.

I was hoping someone would step in a set the record straight. And you haven't even scratched the surface. Meds, surgical tools and techniques as well as graftable tissues, alloys of metal once thought impossible, micro-miniaturization of electronic parts and circuits, etc. etc. etc.