They Did It!

Just out of curiosity, except for space tourism, what missons do YOU think drive space travel (if any).

Jerry

Black programs excluded :)

Good point Jerry. I guess in this day and age, and in this

*political* climate, if the Muslims orbited a person the situation would be different, but at least for the time being, that's not going to happen.

Crap. CNN's more concerned with whose pubic hairs were in Kobe Bryant's accuser's panties.

We here on RMR are definitely in the minority.

I think economics will pick up the ball eventually. Whether that's tourism, in your words, or otherwise.

Hey, in space, no one knows what color you are...

tah

Ok, everybody's dying to ask these two questions, but nobody seems stupid enough. I'll volunteer.

1. How long was the bamboo stick on the back of that rocket?

1. How big was the bottle they launched it from?

In all seriousness, congratulations, China. That's a great accomplishment.

-- Eric Benner TRA # 8975 L2 NAR # 79398

My recollection is that there has been at least one Muslim in space. That prompted the Islamic scholars to issue a ruling about appropriate methods for prayer while in space. Muslims have an obligation to pray 5 times a day, so it's an issue...

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan come to mind as Muslim states that have the cash and or expertise (cash, of course, being mutable into expertise) to pull off a manned space mission. Their priorities are elsewhere...

Face "east" :)

Yup. One of the payload Specialists on a Shuttle flight. STS-51G, June 1985. Had to figure out how to face Mecca for his prayers.

Unless they really lengthen the development curve, it would have to be a nation that has at least launched a satellite of their own: ESA, Japan, and India have boosters that might be able to launch a person.

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!

Not if you're over say India or the pacific ocean...

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!

In orbit you will be right 22 of every 45 minutes :)

Jerry