Posted on 08/04/2005 8:07:09 AM PDT by goarmy
HOUSTON (Reuters) - Commander Eileen Collins said astronauts on shuttle Discovery had seen widespread environmental destruction on Earth and warned on Thursday that greater care was needed to protect natural resources.
Her comments came as NASA pondered whether to send astronauts out on an extra spacewalk to repair additional heat-protection damage on the first shuttle mission since the 2003 Columbia disaster.
Discovery is linked with the International Space Station and orbiting 220 miles above the Earth.
"Sometimes you can see how there is erosion, and you can see how there is deforestation. It's very widespread in some parts of the world," Collins said in a conversation from space with Japanese officials in Tokyo, including Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
"We would like to see, from the astronauts' point of view, people take good care of the Earth and replace the resources that have been used," said Collins, who was standing with Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi in front of a Japanese flag and holding a colorful fan.
Collins, flying her fourth shuttle mission, said the view from space made clear that Earth's atmosphere must be protected, too.
"The atmosphere almost looks like an eggshell on an egg, it's so very thin," she said. "We know that we don't have much air, we need to protect what we have."
After two years and two billion dollars, NASA still can't build a shuttle that doesn't have stuff falling and hanging off it, and they presume to lecture the world on science outside their specialty???
"We know that we don't have much air, we need to protect what we have."
So, someone has already thought of it. Well, maybe that astronautess would buy a couple of cases!
susie
"No discussion, no comment, just raspberries."
I've noticed the same, and not just today. It's very distressing. This is a conservative forum. For those who don't know a forum is:
a public meeting or assembly for open discussion
Open discussion. It seems free republic is morphing into a far right mutual admiration society. Those who dissent or disagree are told to go to the DU, (among other things).
Is it any wonder that observers/lurkers are commenting about the FR eating their own?
I thought NASA sends intelligent people up in these shuttles!
We're dooooooomed...doomed I tell you!!!
susie
C'mon folks, leave her alone. She's having problems with her curtains which is causing her not to think straight.
I made no comment regarding erosion.
That'll teach YOU.
And wear some clothes next time. Jeez.
Oh, and when you're "spraying nitrogen" on your lawn, don't "spray" upwind.
: ^ )
Unbelieveable! I have my serious doubts about some ROTC programs -- would love to know where he went to school. What a jerk and what about the people above him? I am less than impressed with some of the current officers we have.
Lighten up a bit.
One of the reasons for levity in this posting is due to the fact that the article had no substance to it. They describe seeing environmental damage and a thin atmosphere, but there is no context for comparison. Is there a scientific comparison to provide supporting data? or is this just some eyewash BS for the Japanese photo/communications opportunity.
I agree she spoke publicly on a contentious issue. I think it fair that she reported what she saw. Whether her additional comments were proper can be disputed.
Science is not about guessing.
I was not speaking as a scientist. Science is about guessing, or at least about making judgements using best evidence. Scientists can - and will - do that now based on what the woman observed and what our records show.
LOL! If I did so I wonder if she could see the eroded canyon?
WHAT AN AMAZING HYPOCRITE!! She on a $1000,000,000 joy ride at the taxpayers expense using resources that could have been much better utilized by the taxpayers that actually earned the money and she has the unmitigated chutzpah to lecture us about protecting resources.
Methinks she has been on one mission too many.
Four missions too many
Sounds like a good money making opportunity! Can I invest? I'll make a promotional video for other investors too!
Not commenting on erosion, just playing off your description of shuttle duties (M/F), kitchen, and such.
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