Posted on 03/12/2025 6:38:19 PM PDT by MinorityRepublican
A Nasa-SpaceX mission that aimed to clear the way for two stranded astronauts to get back to earth has been postponed.
The Falcon 9 launch from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station was put back due to a hydraulic ground issue. There is another possible launch opportunity on Thursday.
The rocket aimed to fly four new crew members to the International Space Station (ISS) and pave the way for the return of Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.
The two Nasa astronauts flew to space in June but were not able to return on a Boeing spacecraft after it was deemed unsafe. The pair would be able to return to earth within days of the SpaceX mission reaching the ISS.
The Nasa astronauts left earth on 5 June 2024 for an eight-day mission and have been stuck at the ISS for more than nine months, instead helping ongoing missions at the station with maintenance and experiments.
The Wednesday launch would have made it possible for them to return to earth as early as Sunday.
SpaceX said the issue that forced the launch to scrub related to the hydraulics on one of the clamp arms, which engineers were trying to fix. There were concerns the arm would not have been able to open fully during launch.
There is another possible launch window on Thursday but SpaceX has yet to announce whether the equipment will be fixed by that time.
Ms Williams, 58, and Mr Wilmore, 61, have taken their peculiar situation in stride, saying in a news conference from the ISS in September that they have been trained to "expect the unexpected".
"This is my happy place," Ms Williams said at the time, though admitting she missed her family and two dogs.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Concerned about sabotage.
Same, Sabotage would be a real possibility now that Ukraine and EU leaders hate the USA.
I’m amazed that those two haven’t gone stir crazy by now.
(I’m wondering how long it will take them to get used to gravity again, once they’re back.)
24 hour recycle.
Never, to the level they were before going up.
p
Prayers for Elon Musk. I think we underestimate the weights of pressure he’s under.
A three hour tour, a three hour tour...🎵
CC
I’ll bet the RAT Beetlejuice Congaline dancers made some death threats. I wouldn’t put it past the bass turds.
I hope these sudden problems for Elon Musk and SpaceX are not the result of sabotage, like his dealership vandalism. I messaged him yesterday on X and told him my thoughts plus a hearty 'God bless'! ...he gave me a 'Like'.
“Prayers for Elon Musk. I think we underestimate the weights of pressure he’s under.”
Musk is not the ordinary person. If pressure bothered him he would have been a wreck years ago.
He in not under pressure on this. He has confidence in his products.
Pretty cool!
“I hope these sudden problems for Elon Musk and SpaceX”
Not Musk/SpaceX problem.
Nice!
Typical PhD.
The professor and Mary Ann.
Not everything HAS to be some conspiracy
Good grief
So why is they aren’t coming right back?
“Typical PhD.”
GEMINI:
The reasons behind why some people might demean PhDs are complex and can stem from a variety of factors. Here are some key points to consider:
* Misunderstanding of the PhD’s Purpose:
* Many people may not fully understand what a PhD entails. They might not grasp the depth of research, the dedication required, or the specialized knowledge acquired. This can lead to a perception that it’s “just more schooling.”
* There can be a disconnect between the highly specialized knowledge of a PhD and the practical skills valued in many everyday jobs.
* Perceived Lack of Practical Skills:
* Some employers or individuals might view PhD holders as being too specialized and lacking in practical, real-world skills. They might worry that a PhD graduate is “overqualified” for a position.
* There can be a bias towards valuing experience over academic qualifications in certain industries.
* Jealousy or Resentment:
* Sometimes, demeaning PhDs can stem from feelings of jealousy or resentment. People might feel intimidated by the level of education and expertise.
* Cultural Attitudes:
* In some cultures, there might be a general skepticism towards academia or intellectual pursuits.
* Concerns about “Ivory Tower” Mentality:
* There’s a stereotype of academics being out of touch with reality, living in an “ivory tower.” This can lead to a dismissal of their work as irrelevant or impractical.
* Job market issues:
* Sometimes employers are looking for people with experience, and a PhD can be seen as a lack of experience in the work field.
In essence, the demeaning of PhDs often arises from a combination of misunderstanding, misperceptions, and societal biases.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.