Space Travel in a Recession

Technicians began filling shuttle Endeavour's fuel tank on Monday for a fifth attempt to deliver a Japanese-built porch and spare parts to the International Space Station. The mission, one of the longest and most complex NASA has attempted, has been delayed a month by fuel leaks and bad weather.

Liftoff was set for 6:51 p.m. EDT (2251 GMT) on Monday, though the weather again may be an issue. Meteorologists predicted a 60 percent chance thunderstorms and nearby rain will keep the shuttle grounded another day.

"We're going to give it a shot," said NASA spokesman Allard Beutel.

In preparation for launch, technicians began pumping more than 500,000 gallons (1.9 million litres) of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the shuttle's tank shortly before 10 a.m. (1400 GMT). The fuel will be consumed by the shuttle's three main engines during the 8.5-minute ride to orbit. If it rains in the hours before the launch, NASA may opt to call off the launch attempt because water could seep inside one of the shuttle's steering thrusters, possibly creating problems when it would be fired up in space to maneuver the shuttle.

Source

I have never been a huge fan of NASA. I understand that venturing to places throughout the solar system is important. We should, as a country, be on a constant quest for knowledge. The aforementioned quest should extend beyond the Earth, but at what cost? NASA's budget is huge and our country is in a recession. I don't think it would be unreasonable for NASA to temporarily suspend or limit is operations for a few months. Granted, the NASA budget pales in comparison to the exorbitant military budget. I just think that some of the money that goes towards space discovery and "promoting democracy" could be redistributed to the ailing segments of our society. The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services could really use some extra cash.

Although I disagree philosophically with the level of funding NASA is receiving, I hope its employees are able to make their missions worthwhile. "Blast Off" by The Isley Brothers and R.Kelly is my favorite space themed song. In case you were wondering, Ronald Isley is scheduled to be released from prison on April 13, 2010.

To the clouds (To the clouds)
Touch the sky (Straight to the sky)
Girl you send me, send me, send me, send me
While we're making love
Touch the stars (We'll touch the stars)
Past the moon ( Go way past the moon )
Send me, send me, send me , send me

Things Are Out of Control

A U.S. soldier opened fire on fellow troops at a counseling center inside a U.S. base Monday, killing five before being taken into custody, the U.S. command and Pentagon officials said. The shooting occurred at Camp Liberty, a sprawling U.S. base on the western edge of Baghdad near the city's international airport and adjacent to another facility where President Barack Obama visited last month. A brief U.S. statement said the soldier "suspected of being involved with the shooting" was in custody but gave no further details. Nobody else was hurt, the military said. It was unclear what provoked the attack.

In Washington, Pentagon officials said the shooting happened at a stress clinic, where troops can go for help with the stresses of combat or personal issues. It was unclear whether those killed were workers at the clinic or were there for counseling, according to one senior military official. The death toll from the Monday shooting was the highest for U.S. personnel in a single attack since April 10, when a suicide truck driver killed five American soldiers with a blast near a police headquarters in Mosul.

Source

The day to day life of a solider in a war zone has got to be emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. These soldiers have to carry out the mission they were given while remaining cognizant that a sneak attack can happen at any time. I cannot imagine living like that for more than a week. It blows my mind that some soldiers have lived in those circumstances for years. It should come as no surprise that so many soldiers change for the worse when they return to the United States. Most of them have seen and experienced unimaginably horrific things.

Although the details surrounding this shooting are developing, it seems that the shooter was overwhelmed with stress. We all cope with stress in different ways. Unfortunately, the shooter in this case was unable to cope with his or her problems without adversely affecting others. It seems like soldiers can become their own worst enemy when their country wages war against another. Hopefully, the federal government will continue to invest in resources that help soldiers reacclimate themselves to a civilian lifestyle. "Ballad for the Fallen Soldier" by The Isley Brothers is an ode to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military.

I remember when I was much younger than now
I used to sit and listen to the news
I was the only child
And another day and another night
Wishin' daddy would come home
Me and mom couldn't sleep at night