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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..."

5 of 111 comments (clear)

  1. Re:You know they need better budget managers when. by djdavetrouble · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I have been to Barstow, a hot hot hot overgrown truck stop in the middle of California's central valley.
    This genius found a way to escape to australia for a bit, kudos to him.

    --
    music lover since 1969
  2. Interest? by ctetc007 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    What about the accrued interest on the fine? I also wonder, if they had not dropped the fine, could there have been some sort of arrest warrant, and who would've been the one to arrest?

  3. Re:So... by shadowbearer · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Then maybe there is something to be said about having a uniform code of law, on a global basis.

      Not that it's likely to happen in our lifetimes.

      While we're at it, we could put caps on damage awards, too.

      You do realize that my comment was meant in jest?

      SB

    --
    It's old. The more humans I meet, the more I like my cats. At least they are honest.
  4. Re:You know they need better budget managers when. by VoltageX · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So he goes to Western Australia, a hot hot hot overgrown truck (road train) stop on the edge of Australia.

    --
    "Anonymous could not immediately be reached for further comment." - International Business Times
  5. Re:You know they need better budget managers when. by deniable · · Score: 2, Insightful

    They probably did, but local councils like to maximise their revenue opportunities.