Space travel & cruising

Status
Not open for further replies.
Cpt. Jon

Cpt. Jon

.
Dec 9, 2008
426
1980 Hunter 30 "Denali" Seaford, VA
Was watching the crew of the shuttle on the NASA network last night, and am watching them land back on Earth now. Can't help but make some comparisons between space travel and long passages on a sailboat. Though, sailing you get to at least get the fresh air and get out of the cabin, you have limited space, worries of something going wrong, and your stuck with the people on board, though you get to choose those.

It amazes me how few people pay any attention to the missions these days, it is an incredible feat and to me very fascinating to watch.

Best of luck to the crew on a successful completion of their mission!
 
kloudie1

kloudie1

.
Nov 6, 2006
10,219
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Just saw the landing myself.. I hope to see one more coming in over the gulf coast before they shut the program down.. I have seen 2 incoming…. When they come by south Louisiana heading in, they are like a huge meteor … and only about 15 minutes away from landing .. I saw the first assembled shuttle on the pad, shortly before it was flown, as we flew over to go to the BVI for a charter.. That was also the day the President of Egypt (Nassir??) was assassinated..
 
sailaway78

sailaway78

.
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Something not mentioned

Another similarity between the two. If something goes wrong, you are left to you own devices to repair it, with the pieces you have with you, and the skill you have. As with space, there is virtually no help mid ocean.
 
Ross

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Re: Something not mentioned

A leak in the hull is an emergency in either place. You had better not trigger the EPIRB just because you ran outta beer.
 
Cpt. Jon

Cpt. Jon

.
Dec 9, 2008
426
1980 Hunter 30 "Denali" Seaford, VA
The ISS was having a problem with the CO2 remover after they reconfigured since the shuttle departed. They were condident yesterday, but it wasn't fixed at the time I stopped paying attention.
 
kloudie1

kloudie1

.
Nov 6, 2006
10,219
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Yeah.. Sadat.. Thanks, Stu.. I was wrong about the shuttle too! (CRS setting in) It was the first shuttle to fly but that was its second flight.. and the first time an orbiting space vehicle had been re-flown.. (my memory and Google!) The program is starting to lay off people as early as October of this year.. last flight of a shuttle is scheduled for mid next year, I think.. (unless Cash For Clunkers get 'em)
 
kloudie1

kloudie1

.
Nov 6, 2006
10,219
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Awwwww MAN !!!! I just had a thought..When the shuttle program winds down, the electric boat power people could bid on the little hydrazine/lox power units or the shuttle fuel cells when they go onto E-bay .. Those probably make enough power to drive a boat motor! BUT WAIT !! We’ll also throw in a Canadian Manipulator Arm if you call within the next 20 minutes ! Can’t ya just see it!
 
Tracy23758

Tracy23758

.
Jan 22, 2008
14
Oday Mariner Quadra Island BC
Hey cool! I could use the arm to lift up my mast and step it to within a couple of thou/in. Then use it to lift my sails! Reefing would be a breeze! Stowed all out of sight when not needed. I'll take one please....LOL Chortle...Chortle...Guffaw...Guffaw!
 
Ron20324

Ron20324

.
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
kloudie1 said:
Awwwww MAN !!!! I just had a thought..When the shuttle program winds down, the electric boat power people could bid on the little hydrazine/lox power units or the shuttle fuel cells when they go onto E-bay .. Those probably make enough power to drive a boat motor! BUT WAIT !! We’ll also throw in a Canadian Manipulator Arm if you call within the next 20 minutes ! Can’t ya just see it!
Click to expand
Don't overlook the water "recycling" system. How long could you stay out on the boat with THAT?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom