Slashdot Mirror
Minor Damage Found On Space Shuttle
The BBC is reporting on minor damage to the space shuttle Atlantis revealed by a 10-hour inspection in orbit. On the shuttle's right side, near where the wing joins the body, inspection revealed a 21" (53cm) line of chips in the tiles that make up the vehicle's heat shield. "...more analysis by engineers would determine whether a 'focused inspection' was needed in that specific area. If so, astronauts would use sensors to determine the exact depth of the damage to the heat shield tiles. NASA has placed the space shuttle Endeavour on stand-by to rescue the crew of Atlantis if they are endangered." The crew couldn't shelter on the ISS in case of trouble, because their orbit is higher and on a different inclination.
Right, we don't want to have excessive chances for success.
It's being covered by many US based media. You're denser than a neutron star!
What, there's no self-destruct mechanisim? No robotic countdown? No strobe lights? - NOTHING?
What kind of spaceship is that?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.
.. if they launch Endeavour to rescue Atlantis, and Endeavour suffers damage at launch?
Then they bring out the gimp.
It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.
"Have Rockets Run Their Course?"
"The agriculture ministry is not in charge of Gundam" - Japanese ministry official.
Erm.. Have you even heard about Newtons laws? If you do, could you quickly explain them to me so I can estimate your knowledge of physics? After that, I can explain further, but right now I'm a bit baffled.
"It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful." - Anton LaVey
". if they launch Endeavour to rescue Atlantis, and Endeavour suffers damage at launch?"
Then you are obviously in a Michael Bay movie, where logic and physics are thrown out the door. Mayhem, shakycam and explosions usually follow.
Vincent J. Murphy
Spandex Justice
Can they use the clone tool to erase the damage?
-dZ.
Carol vs. Ghost
This is going to hurt its blue book value though.
--
Feeling slow today?
"Yeah, don't worry about the inspection, you don't have to go out, really.", Poindexter continued, "and, uh, whatever you guys do, don't look out the window."
"Copy tha--er what??" replied Commander Altman.
"Right, just... focus on the mission. Oh hey, Altam, your wife is here, she'd like to say goodb--uh, hello."
Carol vs. Ghost
But that's okay, because all of the NASA engineers will be replaced by supermodels. But they'll be wearing glasses so that you'll know they're very smart.