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October 25, 2004
First Flight
Congratulations to Brazil, which overcame adversity (including last year's deadly rocket explosion), to make its first space launch over the weekend.
Space Wars
Per SpaceDaily:The United States could attack Europe's planned network of global positioning satellites if it was used by a hostile power such as China, The Business weekly reported Sunday.
It's interesting to note the U.S. actually admitting (or claiming) satellite destruction capability.
This is also a concrete example of the concerns I've had about the importance of the changes in the space community landscape. China's growth as a space power has its greatest significance not in potentially beating the U.S. to the Moon or in using its manned space program as a weapons platform, as some have speculated, but in the potential for China simply to become a better friend to other nations than we are. Galileo, one of the earliest examples of that sort of situation, is turning into a perfect example: not only is China winning points with European nations by helping to enable the project through its participation, but it's causing the U.S. to alienate itself from allies as well.
Expedition 9 Final Update
In the midst of the Tutor wedding festivities, Expedition 9 returned safely to Earth.
October 24, 2004
Congratulations!
October 23, 2004
Daily Hatbag
In honor of Chris and Christina, the only wedding-themed Hatbag we did.
October 22, 2004
Fly Into Space For $10
Don't know that this person's cost estimates are entirely correct, but it's an interesting concept.
Daily Hatbag
Here ya go.
Eek!
Ascans At Marshall
The astronaut candidates of Group 19 were at Marshall last night, and I got to meet several of them. From the conversations I had, they appeared to be a great group.Possibly the highlight of the evening was when we were eating. I was sitting next to Joe Acaba, one of the Educator Astronaut candidates, and a kid who was about 5-years-old across the table from us decided that he wanted to show the astronaut how quickly he could tie his shoes. Joe got up from his meal, walked around the table, got down on the ground, untied the kid's shoe for him so he could tie it back, and then timed while he tied it (counting the seconds a bit slowly so the kid could meet his 5-second goal).
Yeah, I think Joe will do well.
It was kind of exciting to be among these astronauts so fresh they aren't even rookies yet, and realize that the next person on the Moon could be in your midst.
The future appears to be in good hands.
(Oh, the picture is from a story on Space.com today about the new class's training.)
Expedition 9 Update
Six months after swearing to never again walk upon the Earth as long as Chris Tutor was single, the crew of Expedition 9 will finally return to the planet tomorrow. Touchdown is expected around 1935 CDT, and will be on NASA TV (on cable and online).
More iPod Rumors
Joining the rumors that a funky U2 iPod is coming soon and that a color-screen iPod will be available before the end of the year is a new rumor that a flash-based iPod will be available before Christmas.
Blogpoint Opportunity
Three Blogpoints for anyone who asks for them in person tomorrow.
October 21, 2004