Ones that got away - April 30, 2009
“It was explained to us how it was supposed to work and, I think, from the technical point of view, there is no doubt that this concept would work.”
Christian Bank, designer of manned space systems at EADS-Astrium, comments on rumours that Russia’s next space craft will have rocket powered landings, rather than using a parachute (BBC).
“That’s not our tortoise. We do not have a missing tortoise”
Mary Dixon, a spokeswoman for the group that runs the Bronx Zoo in New York, denies that a large tortoise found wandering the city that never sleeps was a victim of the recent round of animal redundancies at the zoo (NY Times).
“NASA is cautious about exposing the crew to any and all viruses and bacteria in the preflight phase, whether that be swine flu or the common cold. NASA does not have to alter their current posture, because their current posture is already very conservative, as even a routine [common cold] can be problematic on a space mission.”
NASA spokesman Bill Jeffs says all precautions are being taken to prevent swine flu being carried into space (Space.com).
“I felt guilty. They need somebody.”
Retired Air Force General Lester Lyles says he feels bad about pulling out of the race to be next NASA administrator (Dayton Daily News, hat tip: NASA Watch).
