(Space) Shuttle worker dies in fall from launch pad

Orlando Sentinel ^ | March 14, 2011 | Orlando Sentinel

[musicman]

A United Space Alliance employee fell to his death this morning while working on Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, according to NASA.

Details about how the man fell, or what he was doing prior to the fall, remains unclear, said NASA spokeswoman Candrea Thomas.

[musicman]

This just broke about 15 minutes ago.

[TSgt]

RIP

[brownsfan]

Very sad.

I can’t help but think this event is a metaphor for NASA.

[smokingfrog]

[musicman]

A view of space shuttle Endeavour, STS-134 on launch pad 39A Friday after an over night trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building. A shuttle worker died Monday after falling from the launch pad. The details of the death are unknown at this time. (Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel / March 11, 2011)

[mikrofon]

The over-reaction would be "stop the dangerous Shuttle program!", but that is already a fait accompli...

[musicman]

"I can’t help but think this event is a metaphor for NASA."

Thanks to Barry for choosing it's NEW name:

[ReformedBeckite]

I wonder if it was a Darwin, hold my beer moment.

[Hatteras]

We will take note of this tragedy, say our prayers for the man’s poor soul and move on.

And not even think about.... omens.

[SE Mom]

NASA ping

[musicman]

"The over-reaction would be "stop the dangerous Shuttle program!", but that is already a fait accompli..."

From the EARLY coverage here by the local MSM Central Florida outlets, Endeavor's last scheduled flight will be ALL about Giffords watching her husband's flight and "gun control" vs Barry effectively neutering the US Space Program and throwing THOUSANDS of workers in Florida, Alabama and Texas (those "bitter clinging to their GUNS and Bibles RED states) thereby leaving us at the mercy of Russia for almost all space ISS activity (or satellite capture and repair) with US astronauts.

[Smokin' Joe]

Prayers up for this person, and the family and friends.

[Lazlo in PA]

Details about how the man fell, or what he was doing prior to the fall, remains unclear...

There is the possibility that this was a self inflicted fall. I am sure things are pretty gloomy at NASA these days. I just have a hard time believing a Gov't endeavor like this would have workers running around without safety equipment.

[musicman]

I like that pic!!!

[Carley]

Bro in law worked on Cape Canaveral back in the day.

Whenever a project was coming to an end there would be ‘accidents’ that prolonged the jobs for the workers.

At the time of the devastating capsule fire the FBI actually thought it sabotage at first. No one was allowed to leave the facility until all were questioned.

[liberalh8ter]

You're exactly right. BTW, on a visit to Kennedy Space Center there was a display area dedicated to the ISS with a placard breakdown of components constructed by and/or paid for by participating Countries. The pie chart was HEAVILY weighed on U.S. expenditures; so much so that my husband and I were slack-jawed at the sight of it. Another big FU to the American people courtesy of our elected elite.

[musicman]

The local Orlando NBC affiliate WESH-TV (also www.WESH.com) says they will have an update at 12PM EST. IMHO, they have the most complete space coverage of all the Orlando networks.

http://www.wesh.com/news/index.html

I’m sure when more is known about the incident, anyone interested can find the story there.

[musicman]

Prayers up here also.

[musicman]

I agree with your post!! Barry has now succeed in turning a once great space program into his and his “green” wealth redistribution buddies own personal “Global Warming Verificating Satellite Launching Program” at OUR expense.

[liberalh8ter]

I should have taken a picture of it but at the time we were too numb to think about it. The “International” space station should really be called the “United States Space Station and International Welcome Center”.