endeavor mission sts-123 launch

My friend, Phyllis, who believes there's a bit too much transparency in the world these days via the web, sent me this photo of the last shuttle launch, known as Endeavor Mission STS-123. I am now attempting to prove her point by publishing the photo on the blog.

Phyllis, and her mate Alan, were lucky enough to score a viewing box for this launch, which is fortunate, because the days of shuttle launches are few. The shuttle has the aerodynamics of a flying rock but is a lot more expensive - each mission costs approximately what it would take to buy, for instance, the State of North Dakota. Yes, I know science is expensive AND important; remember I have a day job? Mad scientist! Plus there's the whole problem with the ice falling and knocking holes in the exterior tiles and well...you know where that leads us -- caulk guns! In outer space. Everyone loves a caulk gun and outer space, so a caulk gun in outer space is twice the fun.

I'm somewhat jealous of Phyllis and Alan since the closest I've ever been to a launch is a launch patch and a stamp. Now if I can only remember where I put the stamp because it is somewhat special although worth more in sentiment than in dollars. The USPS, you know the folks in the blue suits, issued a commerative stamp that had a picture of the Challenger (correction: a challenged eagle?) on it. For the first day issue, they took some of these stamps into outerspace on a Challenger mission, and then once it landed SAFELY, they issued them as first editions. Of course this was before the Challenger blew up, which for those who are counting is STS-51-L.

One thing that scares me a little bit is that after viewing the launch, Phyllis now refers to all the launches by their proper number. We can no longer say the Endeavor launch, we must say Endeavor Mission STS-123. Discovery's STS-124 Mission is targeted for launch May 31. Spacesuits are EMUs, Extravehicular Mobility Units. And for some reason I can't quite comprehend, the robotic arm, is named after a serial-killing cop, DEXTRE.

It's easy to forgive someone for falling for the acronyms, but more disconcerning is that now her mate wants to move to Florida. That sounds like a surefire way to insure that golf carts are part of your future. And having golf carts in your future, my friends, is too much like having John McCain be the future president. You might get through 18 holes on a single charge, but after that, you'll likely end up in the rough with no viable exit strategy.

see also:
m.o.i.: nasa's march madness on demand

Photo credit: STS-123, March 11,2008; Phyllis Hasser