Search this site: [Advanced Search]
 

Messages: 1 of 1. Pages: 1
Comments/Replies (0) appear below in chronological order. Comment form is at bottom of page.
Space Shuttle Lost Over Texas (#982)
Posted: 2/1/2003; 10:19 AM by Terry Frazier
Reply | Trackback URL | Weblog Permalink
I remember vividly the 1986 loss of Challenger -- it's the only event in my life that is etched as clearly as the fall of the World Trade Center. Ironically, I was driving east on Hwy 183 in Irving, TX when it occurred.

This is a tragedy, but not very likely a terrorist attack. Far more likely is that this is the result of a misguided, misdirected space program that has been sending people into space in the equivalent of a 30-year-old school bus. The space shuttles were all built in the 1970s, with technology from the 1960s. They are outdated, outmoded, decrepit, and worn out. It costs billions to refurbish them every time they're used.

It's charming to watch Han Solo or Captain Malcolm Reynolds fly around in interplanetary craft held together with bailing wire. But that's entertainment. It's entirely another matter to be sending our own people off in such things. Yet that's what we do, every time we launch a space shuttle.

I don't want to see the space program shut down. We need the space program. But we need one that isn't technologically out paced by Nintendo. A lot of smart people have given NASA plans, concepts, and road maps over the years. None have been used. How many more must die before we get it together and stop trying to fly school buses?

Total Messages: 1. Pages: 1

Trackbacks

What other weblogs are saying about this topic. Trackback URL: http://www.terryfrazier.com/982/trackback

Reply to message #982...

You must logon before posting a reply

You must login to your account to post a comment. If you do not have an account you can create one here. It's a bit inconvenient but only takes a moment and helps control spam and other bad actors.