eros@chovax.DEC (01/30/86)
Sen. John Glenn, D-Ohio, noted that he had earlier been critical of NASA's decision to allow non-astronauts, such as teacher Christa McAuliffe, to ride in the shuttles. "I never was a big proponent of that", he said. "The main reason for having a [space] program is basic fundamental research. It's not just to see whether we can put the butcher, the baker, the candle- stick maker on these rides. - Los Angeles Times I find it very difficult to accept these statements. The implication that Christa McAuliffe's role in the ill-fated Challenger mission was somehow beneath the dignity of the shuttle program is insulting. Hers was the opportunity to present a layperson's view of space both to the common man and to thousands of children; a worthwhile endeavor if for no other reason than because it was for the benefit of those responsible, both today and tomorrow, for the money that funds the space program. Space is not only for the test pilot and the engineer; it is for all of mankind. Christa McAuliffe was to show us that the 'right stuff' could be found within each and every one of us. -- Anthony L. Eros Digital Equipment Corporation decwrl!chovax!eros "My opinions are my own - who else would want them?"
friesen@psivax.UUCP (Stanley Friesen) (02/04/86)
In article <822@decwrl.DEC.COM> eros@chovax.DEC writes: > > >Space is not only for the test pilot and the engineer; it is for all of >mankind. Christa McAuliffe was to show us that the 'right stuff' could >be found within each and every one of us. > So true. Especially since I consider one of the long term goals of the space program to be the *colonization* of space! Eventually we civilians will be *living* out there. We have to start going sometime! Christa McAuliffe is one of thise who died opening up a new frontier. How many died colonizing the American West? She is the first of a new generation of pioneers. -- Sarima (Stanley Friesen) UUCP: {ttidca|ihnp4|sdcrdcf|quad1|nrcvax|bellcore|logico}!psivax!friesen ARPA: ttidca!psivax!friesen@rand-unix.arpa