Fortunately, I don't see this guy's story in the cynical light that you and others do. The guy is a reporter covering this stuff because he loves it and is fascinated by space flight. I am too, and if ever afforded the same opportunity, would pursue any avenue I could to secure a ticket. I am equally as envious of the local television reporters who get VIP rides with the Blue Angels whenever they come through town.
This guy isn't covering the shuttle story for viewers. He's covering it for himself. I understand that and can appreciate his enthusiasm. Flame away.
I agree with you.
Not a flame, but consider that a shuttle seat on any given flight has a dollar value in the millions. When that seat is given to someone based on celebrity or other dubious credentials, they displace a crew member who could be more valuable to the mission. This would have been a waste of resources (and tax money), all to make nice with CNN.
Does anyone really expect me to believe that after not launching for two years, NASA doesn't have have a backlog of important things that need a real crew member?
Perhaps it's not any different that the comp flights by the Blue Angels, but there is an order of magnitude in the scale of waste.
Call me cynical, but I'm glad he didn't fly.
I agree with that. O'Brien really picked up the ball after Holliman - who was a great space reporter - was killed in an auto accident.