eugene@statvax.UUCP (Eugene miya) (03/01/84)
We in NASA get a rag like most large bureaucracies. "NASA Takes FIrst Steps Towards Flying Civilians in Space" NASA has filed with the Federal Register a proposed rule setting in motion the machinery to fly the first civilian passenger on the Space Shuttle. The proposed rule is the first step to establishing policy and tentative selection procedures to carry citizens observers/participants on future Shuttle flights. It would establish procedures and guidelines from individuals meeting for the eventual acceptance of applications from individuals meeting certain criteria, still under review. A 60-day comment period will follow publication of the proposed regulation. NASA will then have another 60 days to incorporate possible changes or additions to the rule. A task force of the NASA Adisory Council with John E. Naugle as chairman had studied the issue of civilian flight on the Shuttle and in its report to NASA Adminsitrator James M. Beggs has reccommended in part that "NASA should take the next step in opening space flight to all people by flying observers for the reason of meeting the purposes of the Space Act. The regulation will establish a Citizen Observer/Participant Evaluation Committee at NASA HQ to manage the selection process. It also sets up basic guidelines for applicants, such as health, training, and space adaptability. Applications will be evaluated by a NASA designated outside review panel, with the agency retaining authority for final selection. Flight opportunities will be announced by NASA through notice in the Federal Register and other public means through the media. No applications will be received that this time, but comments about the rule should be addressed to: Associate Administrator for External Relations (Code L), NASA Headquarters, Washington DC 20546. The public may examine such comments in Room 125, FB-10B, 600 Independence Ave, SW, Washington DC. FB [Federal Building] -10 is the HQ building directory across the street from the National and and Space Museum. Go to it space fans!
murray@t4test.UUCP (Murray Lane) (03/02/84)
<Flame on!> WHOA!!!, Do you mean to tell me that NASA is preparing to send Joe Shmoe off the street on joy rides in space?!? Much as I like the idea of possibly getting myself into space, I cannot think of a worse use of the space shuttle (other than transporting military cargo). When I consider the idea that people would be going up in place of research and industry projects, I really get upset. Some time in the not too distant future (~20 yrs), that wil make sense, but at present, floor space on the shuttle is just too valuable to waste on "average people" (no slur intended). In addition, who is going to pay for this? I have know problem paying (via taxes) for basic research or incentives to get industry into space, but I do not care to pay for joyriding!!! If I misunderstood your article, PLEASE straighten me out. But if I interpreted it correctly, PLEASE give me a name and address I can complain to. <Flame off> Murray at Intel - t4test
ralph@inuxc.UUCP (Ralph Keyser) (03/05/84)
I dare say that they are not going to load the shuttle with a crowd of tourists for a joy ride! I imagine that by "civilians" they simply mean specialists that are not part of NASA directly. For example, someone from a major company to handle experiments for that company to allow them to decide whether they should invest in space stations. In the meantime, if you feel like flaming, flame at NASA about the idea... Ralph Keyser ...!inuxc!ralph
smb@ulysses.UUCP (Steven Bellovin) (03/06/84)
Current thinking is to send "communicators" -- artists, poets, writers, reporters, photographers, etc. The idea is that (most) astronauts are not trained (and don't have the time) to properly communicate the experience to the rest of us. Wasted space? Think of it as public relations. Remem- ber -- you and I may be convinced that low Earth orbit is a nice place to visit (but not to live; L5 is better....), but most of the public isn't.
hoyme@umn-cs.UUCP (Ken Hoyme) (03/07/84)
#R:statvax:-12600:umn-cs:3800008:000:386
umn-cs!hoyme Mar 6 09:34:00 1984
No, they mean civilian passangers, not specialists. Those passagers will
most likely be chosen to give good PR to the program (I.e., authors, c
celebrities, reporters, but perhaps a Mr. or Ms. Average American. They will
be trained to do some duties aboard the shuttle (such as meal preparation,
Carbon Dioxide filter changing, cleaning, and other routine chores).
Ken Hoymeleimkuhl@uiuccsb.UUCP (03/07/84)
#R:statvax:-12600:uiuccsb:6800002:000:427 uiuccsb!leimkuhl Mar 6 20:13:00 1984 They really mean Walter Cronkite or Dan Rather or James Michener or ? The idea is that a great communicator would enter space as a better representative of the American people. Obviously NASA needs the PR. The research displaced by Dan Rather might be amply justified in the long run by the construction of another space shuttle or space station because of the public interest kindled by such a mission. Ben Leimkuhler
lmg@houxb.UUCP (L.M.Geary) (03/07/84)
# If NASA wants to send a Great Communicator into space, I'm sure the Democratics can think of one they'd like to send, especially if a one way trip could be arranged :-). Larry Geary AT&T Information Systems Holmdel, NJ ...houxb!lmg
nrh@inmet.UUCP (03/08/84)
#R:statvax:-12600:inmet:3400003:000:297 inmet!nrh Mar 7 10:47:00 1984 Actually, what's wrong with "tourists"? So long as they pay enough to make it worthwhile..... Of course, NASA should consider the greater impact of allowing a technical type from a large firm that might use more shuttle space later, but why not allow private individuals to bid for the spaces?
urban@trwspp.UUCP (03/09/84)
One suggestion I have heard for NASA fundraising would be to hold a semi-expensive lottery for a seat on the Shuttle. This would be good PR and would probably pay for itself and more. Anyone know why this avenue is not being pursued? Mike