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NASA's Skylab $400 Littering Fine Paid By DJ

Posted by samzenpus on from the you-gonna-pick-that-up? dept.

astroengine writes "Space Disco speaks with a Californian radio DJ about his role in raising, and paying, NASA's 30-year old littering fine levied by a Western Australian town. Skylab parts fell on Esperance in 1979, but the space agency's refusal to pay $400 has resulted in an entertaining annual grudge. Now the Barstow radio DJ is guest of honor at this weekend's 30th anniversary celebrations in Oz and the two small towns at opposite ends of the Pacific will be twinned... all because Skylab had a messy re-entry..."

3 of 111 comments (clear)

  1. Simpsons by BigJClark · · Score: 4, Funny


    This story reads like a Simpsons' episode.

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    Hi, I Boris. Hear fix bear, yes?
  2. SkyLab II: ISS Strikes Back by powerlord · · Score: 4, Funny

    Skylab parts fell on Esperance in 1979, but the space agency's refusal to pay $400 has resulted in an entertaining annual grudge.

    Just wait till they DeOrbit ISS in 2016. I think I know where the "miscalculated" orbit might end up.

    I expect the headline "Small New Zealand town vaporized as a result of Kilometer-Mile error made computing the ISS re-entry trajectory."

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  3. Re:Just wait! by system1111 · · Score: 5, Funny

    crashes has such negative connotations. NASA prefers you use the term terrestrial parking. Thanks!