(It’s my turn over at Long Awkward Pause today, where I was asked to give an update on NASA’s space program for 2015. What I discovered may shock you. Particularly if you’re reading this while wearing a wool sweater and corduroy pants…)
When NASA director Dr. Charles F. Bolden Jr. said that this year’s mission selection process was the most difficult session in more than two decades, it got me thinking:
I wonder how Barbara Eden is doing?
After a quick Google search found her alive and well, a second thought crossed my mind:
What is the criteria for giving a space mission the green light nowadays, especially in this era of cutbacks? And, perhaps more importantly, how do they manage to come up with such cool acronyms for each one?
After calling the NASA hotline and engaging its new automated information system known as Orbital News History and Official Lunar Development (ONHOLD), I eventually spoke with an actual Programs Education and Research Specialist Operator for Newspapers (PERSON).
It was during this conversation that I discovered the frightening truth. For many years NASA utilized a two-step process in determining its mission programs. This process involved having someone from the automobile industry submit the name of a new sport utility vehicle — Voyager, Odyssey, Explorer, Pathfinder, Contour — then force NASA scientists and astrophysicists to design a mission to go along with it. (Continue reading…)
Ned's Blog 
I forwarded this to my son at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. I thought he would enjoy it.
But don’t be surprised to find out that a file was opened on you by DICK, (Division In Charge of Knuckleheads). Good luck.
– Jim H.
Ha! I’ve been on their watchlist for years…
Its official; you’re the greatest blogger on Earth and beyond…
That would be much too presumptious of me, particularly in this company of bloggers.
“Greatest Lover,” maybe…
Just nod your head 🙂 . Great post!
Thanks, Lynette — Usually I’m just nodding off 😉
Love the comments from all the people of the male persuasion. You guys are so funny when you start playing with your erector sets. Soon you’ll be “flying to the moon and playing among the stars”.* You’re really just a bunch of fiddling romantics. 🙂
*Courtesy of Matt Monro – and others.
“Romantics”… Yep, that’s us. And I think Brainrants actually plays the fiddle!
Reblogged this on zhainthompson.