Shuttle - WTF over - Cancel Program?

[mzaharis]

It is God's judgement on the program because NASA wouldn't let the first qualified women astronaut go into space-Jerrie Cobb. Then when they had the chance to send her as a senior astronaut they chose John Glenn. What goes around comes around.BTW Jerrie rated higher on all the astronaut tests than any of the men.

Yeah, it's God's will to kill 14 men and women in flight (if you're counting both Challenger and Columbia in this retribution) for payback on a sex discrimination issue. I hope to God that I've fallen victim of some flamebait, and you aren't really that misguided.

Anyway, it DID make sense to have pilots who had considerable experience flying high speed military aircraft, particulary test pilots, as the first astronauts. That may not have been the true reason in the NASA managers' minds, but there was some logic to it. That requirement alone would have excluded all women at the time, as none had military/test flight experience in any great capacity (other than the odd dual instruction/record flight, like Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb). Note that the only civilian males who flew prior to Harrison Schmitt on Apollo 17 were NASA test pilots with considerable high speed military and X-aircraft experience, such as Neil Armstrong, who flew the X-15 and the F9F-2 Panther.

 

[TurboS7]

Little bit of flamebait but what was so important that they required the pilots to be test pilots when in fact they were just "spam in a can" and pretty much up to the mercy of mother earths gravity on reentry and a roman candle blast to get them into space.

 

[VNugget]

....zuh?

 

[mzaharis]

Little bit of flamebait but what was so important that they required the pilots to be test pilots when in fact they were just "spam in a can" and pretty much up to the mercy of mother earths gravity on reentry and a roman candle blast to get them into space.

Read This New Ocean: A History of Project Mercury. It is the official NASA history, and goes considerably into the discussion of the levels of automation that were planned for Mercury (it's a bit more complicated than described in "The Right Stuff"). As it turns out, they decided for a high level of automation, but most of the stuff malfunctioned, especially on Cooper's flight, leaving the pilots with quite a bit to do. A good circumstance to have a test pilot who is well versed in dealing in rapidly changing/degrading aerospace craft qualities.

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4201/cover.htm

Subsequently, Gemini was designed with much more opportunity for pilot input.

http://www.airandspacemagazine.com/ASM/Mag/Index/1998/AS/ftgm.html
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/SP-4203/cover.htm


NASA has most of their official history books online. They're pretty fascinating reads.

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/on-line.html

 

[Wasted]

Simple fix. Go back to the original formula. NASA caved to the greenies and put this "enviromentally friendly" stuff on the external tank and killed seven people in the process.

Exactly. Foam shedding wasn't a problem until they got rid of the original foam because of CFCs and started using the current formula. Just go back to the old one.

 

[prpjt]

Why? The only thing thats been accomplished by all this spending is bragging rights to a country that doesn't exist any longer.

Not really.

Discoveries specific to Shuttle program that are in use today:

The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission set out to generate the most accurate topographical map of the Earth. The data recorded will enable engineers and scientists to develop safer navigation techniques and better communication systems.

Initially called the NASA/DeBakey heart pump, it is based in part on technology used in space shuttle fuel pumps.

Properties of metal alloys studied for the space station program have sparked a new line of golf clubs. Shape memory metal gives the most seasoned golfer new control and feel.

BSR created blanket insulation kits based on NASA Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System materials. Used in NASCAR.

Building the Boeing 777 brought about the use of NASA innovations, from lightweight composite materials to the modern glass cockpit and aircraft control systems.

A bigger list of NASA contributions:

1. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]New metal alloys based on research for the space station program.[/size][/font]
2. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Thermal protection blankets used in everything from fire fighters suits to survival gear for cold environments.[/size][/font]
3. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Robots and robotic software with wide-ranging uses that include auto-assembly plants, hazardous material handling, monitoring in dangerous environments, distribution and packaging facilities, etc.[/size][/font]
4. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Lightweight composite materials that benefit cars, airplanes, camping gear, etc.[/size][/font]
5. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Perfect protein crystals grown in zero gravity; used for more pure pharmaceutical drugs, foods and an assortment of other crystalline-based products including insulin for diabetes patients.[/size][/font]
6. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Better understanding of the Earth and its environmental response to natural and human-induced variations such as air quality, climate, land use, food production as well as monitoring quality of our oceans and fresh water.[/size][/font]
7. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Commercial space communication systems for personal phones, computers, video transmissions, global positioning satellite systems, etc.[/size][/font]
8. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Improvements in energy use efficiency.[/size][/font]
9. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]More responsible use of air and water in private and commercial buildings.[/size][/font]
10. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Automated maintenance functions for buildings and new lower-cost building construction techniques.[/size][/font]
11. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Smoke detectors for homes and commercial buildings.[/size][/font]
12. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Air purification systems used to by hospitals to provide pure oxygen for patients.[/size][/font]
13. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]High-bandwidth and optical communications systems.[/size][/font]
14. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Technology for cordless tools such as drills, shrub trimmers and rechargeable flashlights.[/size][/font]
15. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Growth of zeolite crystals that have the potential to reduce the cost of petroleum and to store new types of fuels like hydrogen, which is abundant and pollution-free. This technology could be used in hydrogen-powered cars.[/size][/font]
16. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Fire-fighting systems that battle blazes with a fine mist, rather than environmentally harmful chemicals.[/size][/font]
17. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Sunglasses that block certain types of light - blue, violet, and ultraviolet - that could hurt the eyes. These sunglasses block the hazardous light, while allowing light that is good for vision to pass through the lens.[/size][/font]
18. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Solar power collection.[/size][/font]
19. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Air filtration systems that can kill all types of harmful bacteria - even anthrax -- and remove allergens from the air with better than 90 percent efficiency.[/size][/font]
20. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Ultralight solar concentrators that gather power from the Sun and efficiently convert it into electrical power. Applications for this technology on Earth are limitless.[/size][/font]
21. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Water purification methods using ions (an atom or group of atoms carrying a positive or negative electrical charge). Used in water filtering systems to remove lead, chlorine, bad taste and odor. Newer purification systems also remove contaminants such as perchlorate and nitrate.[/size][/font]
22. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]"Power Pads" to cushion a horse's hooves, protecting against injuries and helping ease discomfort associated with brittle hooves or arthritis.[/size][/font]
23. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Disposable diapers.[/size][/font]
24. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Devices for collection and real-time analysis of blood, and other bodily fluids, without the need for centrifugation. Huge potential for hospitals and for remote units to monitor individuals with health problems.[/size][/font]
25. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Lighter artificial limbs that are virtually indestructible; based on foam insulation used to protect the Shuttle's external fuel tank.[/size][/font]
26. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Computer-aided tomography (CATScan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for imaging the body and its organs.[/size][/font]
27. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Light-emitting diodes used in photodynamic therapy. These diodes are used in a form of chemotherapy that kills cancerous tumors.[/size][/font]
28. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Infrared sensors used in hand-held optical sensor thermometers. These devices can measure temperature in the ear canal in two seconds or less.[/size][/font]
29. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Devices used to diagnose and treat patients suffering head injury, stroke, chronic dizziness and disorders of the central nervous system.[/size][/font]
30. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Compact laboratory instruments for hospitals and doctor offices that analyze blood in 30 seconds what once took 20 minutes.[/size][/font]
31. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Land mine removal using flare device and leftover fuel donated from NASA.[/size][/font]
32. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Technology which allows vehicles to transmit a signal back to a home base. Used to track and reassign emergency and public works vehicles; also track vehicle operations such as taxis, armored cars and vehicles carrying hazardous cargo. Now used to recover stolen vehicles.[/size][/font]
33. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Cutters using small explosive charges used by emergency rescue personnel to quickly extract accident victims.[/size][/font]
34. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Image-processing technology used remove defects due to image jitter, image rotation and image zoom in video sequences. Used by law enforcement agencies to improve crime-solving videos; doctors in medical imaging; scientific applications and even home video cameras.[/size][/font]
35. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Gas leak-detection system used by Ford in natural gas-powered car.[/size][/font]
36. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Method of labeling products with invisible and virtually indestructible markings - used on electronic parts, pharmaceuticals and livestock -- in fact it could be used on just about anything.[/size][/font]
37. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Fire resistant foam used as thermal and acoustical insulation in aerospace, marine and industrial products. Also used as for fire barriers, packaging and other applications requiring either high-temperature or very low-temperature insulation. Used by Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, and Airbus for for major weight savings in aircraft.[/size][/font]
38. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Hand-held camera which firefighters use to pinpoint the hotspots of wildfires.[/size][/font]
39. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Safer soldering base for jewelers using torches in jewelry assembly. Based on heat-shield tiles of shuttle instead of hazardous asbestos bases previously used.[/size][/font]
40. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Quick-connect fasteners used by firefighters and nuclear power-plant repair technicians.[/size][/font]
41. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Game-controlling joystick for computers and entertainment systems.[/size][/font]
42. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Spray lube used for rust prevention; loosening corroded nuts; cleaning and lubricating guns and fishing reels; and lubricating and reducing engine friction.[/size][/font]
43. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]World-wide television broadcasts.[/size][/font]
44. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Home insulation system which provides significant savings in home heating and cooling costs - uses technology of aluminum heat shield developed for Apollo spacecraft.[/size][/font]
45. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Laser technology used in artery catheters to spot areas of blockage and fire short bursts of laser beams to vaporize them - a "cool" laser providing thousands of patients with an alternative to heart bypass surgery.[/size][/font]
46. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]New charged coupled devices (CCDs) used in breast examinations (mammographies) which images breast tissue more clearly than conventional x-rays. Doctors then use a specially designed needle to extract a tiny sample (instead of a scalpel) saving time, money and pain.[/size][/font]

 

[prpjt]

1. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]"Smart" forceps made of composite material, with embedded fiber optics. These obstetrical forceps allow doctors to measure the amount of pressure being applied to an infant's head during delivery.[/size][/font]
2. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Small pill-shaped transmitters Used to monitor intestinal activity; blood pressure and temperature of infants still inside the womb; body functions of athletes and high-stress professionals such as firefighters and soldiers.[/size][/font]
3. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Technology to quickly arrange and analyze human chromosomes and detect genetic abnormalities that could lead to disease in infants.[/size][/font]
4. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Image processing software used in dermatology analysis to "decode" the shadow patterns and provided accurate heights and depths.[/size][/font]
5. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Roofs based on moonsuits that look stiff, but are flexible and expand in heat and contract in cold. Used as covering of malls, stadiums and new airports like Denver International.[/size][/font]
6. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Padding in helmets, shin guards, chest protectors and aircraft seating.[/size][/font]
7. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Golf balls with greater accuracy and distance.[/size][/font]
8. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Lightning protection systems for aircraft.[/size][/font]
9. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Windshear detection and warning system for aircraft.[/size][/font]
10. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TACS) now used by virtually all passenger aircraft.[/size][/font]
11. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Monitoring system which scans important documents at certain times and compares the differences between the images. The system detects changes in contrast, shape and other features. Used by museums and the National Archives to monitor historic documents and plan a way to stop any damage.[/size][/font]
12. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Landsat imagery to discover unknown archeology sites; reveal ancient coastlines; manage the harvesting of fish in the world’s oceans; calculate how well crops are doing, etc.[/size][/font]
13. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Robotic mother pigs which keep piglet formula (milk) cool until it is needed then heats and delivers the right amount at feeding time.[/size][/font]
14. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Improved spray nozzles for crop dusters.[/size][/font]
15. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]New breathing system for firefighters made up of a face mask, frame and harness, warning device, and air bottle. Weighs one-third less than old gear.[/size][/font]
16. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Virtual reality simulators for medical operations, flight training, truck driving, etc.[/size][/font]
17. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Hydroponics used by vegetable farmers to grow crops without soil.[/size][/font]
18. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Fluorometer instrument used to monitor plankton in the world's oceans. Instrument measures amount of glow given off by plankton and other marine life that consume sunlight in their photosynthesis process. Much of the world’s oxygen comes from plankton.[/size][/font]
19. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Oil spill cleanup using beeswax microcapsules. The beeswax balls absorb oil and keep water out. Absorbed oil is digested by microorganism enzymes inside the ball. When the balls get full of digested oil, they explode and release environmentally safe enzymes, carbon dioxide and water.[/size][/font]
20. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Software to match and track whales.[/size][/font]
21. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]DirectTV.[/size][/font]
22. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Satellite radio.[/size][/font]
23. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Fire-Resistant Aircraft Seats.[/size][/font]
24. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]"Cool suit" which helps to improve the quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients.[/size][/font]
25. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Pacemaker that can be programmed from outside the body.[/size][/font]
26. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Instruments to measure bone loss and bone density, without penetrating the skin.[/size][/font]
27. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Implant for delivering insulin to diabetics that provides more precise control of blood sugar levels and frees diabetics from the burden of daily insulin injections.[/size][/font]
28. [font=Arial,Helvetica][size=-1]Device for growing ovarian tumors so that tumors can be studied outside the body, without harm to the patient.[/size][/font]

 

[erj-145mech]

Horse pookey. Looks as though this list was copied and pasted from a NASA site. Satellites were around before the US space program got off of the launch pad. Sputnik. Almost every tech item listed was commercially developed and altered to meet NASA needs. An item isn't developed unless there is a commercial, read economic, need for it. Dow or DuPont won't develop a foam couch pad gratis, then tell NASA, that "Here, ya'll go play with this and see if you con make an astronaut couch out of this stuff". Spaulding didn't put some dimples on a golf ball so that Alan Shepard can knock the whiskers off of it on the moon.

How many crystals were made in space (zero gravity) and then used commercially? Hint: squat. How many were made after, on earth, in zero gravity? Want another hint? So, all the zero gravity experiments are just that, experiments. How many crop dusters (spray nozzles) are in space? The Germans improved on spray nozzles for jet engines in WWII that the Brits discovered in the 1930's.

Every example provided can be disapproved as invented/developed by NASA initially.

 

[satpak77]

CANCEL IT


HARD DOWN