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Space Research Appreciation

Posted by pillownaut • 5/12/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: astronaut, bedrest study, NASA, nasa research, nasa study, shuttle, space

I blog about space research, and how people can help NASA if they're willing to join paid test projects.

I also feature space news, astronauts, photos, etc. We just had a major launch to enhance the Hubble Telescope -- an AMAZING observatory that captured pictures of our universe in ways we never saw before.

Watching the news frosts me though. HOURS worth of chatter on crimes, scandals, pageant queens... and Shuttle Atlantis gets 30 seconds of coverage.

Seriously, have people forgotten the work it takes to get into space, or how truly stunning it is that we can get there at all? I wish every kid could go to a launch, they are breaktaking and bring tears to your eyes. Are there any parents out there who instill in their kids a sense of awe and appreciation for all that the space program has done for humanity?

User Comments

5/12/09

lisleman

I've really tried to instill that wonder of the universe. Not just the space program but all science.

I agree that our culture doesn't seem to appreciate the space programs. Why some overrated singer gets more attention must tell us something but I'm not sure what.

Scientist are not always good at telling their stories either.

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5/14/09

m2urray

I'm a regular follower of the BBC On-Line (International Version) "Science and Environment" Section. They have many great stories particularly those on space, more recently, the repairing of the Hubble Telescope. I'll follow your blog and look forward to your articles.

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5/14/09

wagerwitch

This is an excellent reason to be blogging - and kudos.

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5/14/09

jtsantos

Nice stuff on your blog. I already followed it and you can be sure I will. I love space stuff and mostly get my daily dose from books and NGC and Discovery

Keep it up!

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5/14/09

nothingprofound

The furthest I'm willing to go into space is my backyard. But I respect your enthusiasm for those far horizons.

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5/15/09

pillownaut

Well, I'm glad to see a few, and thanks for the kind words!! but boy, just when I start feeling upbeat about it, I see TIME.com saying "Space Shuttle: Same Old Damage, Same Old Worries." and I *sigh* again. They should be ashamed of themselves for implying such a thing is mundane in any way.

It's not just "going into space." It's the results on Earth that came from space exploration, and I wonder why those aren't common knowledge. No one would even have a cell phone if it wasn't for NASA! Communicating in space led to the technology that allows all cellular telephones to work. Ditto satellite television.

NASA invented:
- Smoke & Radiation Detectors
- Micro-Lasers
- Modern Medical Imaging
- Heart Pump Implants
- Water Filtration Systems
- Lightning Protection Systems
- Crop-Dusting Accuracy Systems
- Virtual Reality Simulators
- Cordless Tools

I'm just mystified as to why this isn't more celebrated. Same for astronauts. IMHO they are the last true heroes of the "celebrity" world. These aren't people who throw a ball or stand in front of a camera to play pretend for a living, then act like druggy brats. They risk their lives to forward human knowledge.

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5/15/09

BrokeandCopasedic04

Awesome post ! You reminded me of the shuttle launch I watched in Florida with my family back in eighty something. I love space and imagine the infinite possibilities of exploring it !

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