Curiousity

[dsheinem]

Did anyone else stay up and watch NASA coverage of the landing of the Mars rover Curiousity last night? I thought it was immensely inspiring, and the enthusiasm surging through mission control following the landing, status reports, and picture transmissions was contagious and grin-inducing. It is certainly the most memorable (non-tragic) space-exploration related event I've watched in my lifetime, and goddamn it I want more. I hope NASA gets funded out the wazoo after this and parents can stop telling their kids "sorry, you can't actually be an astronaut anymore." Awesome stuff.

[AppleQueso]

Color photos are supposed to show up later in the week.

Exciting stuff.

[dsheinem]

Here's the awesome mission control video:

It is worth watching the whole thing.

[Jmustang1968]

Yeah I watched it, the sheer enjoyment they had when the rover landed was remarkable. Kind of makes me wish I pursued a NASA job a bit more when I graduated. I certainly haven't cheered like that about work in my career lol.

[retrosportsgamer]

From what I read, this mission cost less than one B2 bomber being built. That may be hyperbole to prove a different point but I found it interesting.

And my favorite photoshop is of the creature from Alien in the picture.

[Luke]

I thought for a second someone named their computer station "Fuk U".




You would have thought these guys just watched MOONRISE KINGDOM. So great to see these people celebrating their accomplishments, and more than likely, childhood dreams. Plus, a creepy Larry David nearly crying was fun.

This really is impressive and awesome. I love space exploration, and this is groundbreaking. Not that my telescopes can zoom in at Mars, I can see the planet. Knowing a vehicle is up there and possibly leading us to new knowledge gets me giddy.

Maybe this will even start a new space race.

[MrPopo]

I tried, but their website was hammered and I don't subscribe to TV.

Maybe this will even start a new space race.

I've been working on planting evidence that China is planning on building a military base on Mars.

[flojocabron]

I'll be waiting for the compillations.

The video/picture lineups that are ready for easy viewing.

I'm sure if I do some internet snooping, the next few weeks will be a exciting for space fanatics.

good stuff.

[Valkyrie-Favor]

I missed this, but I'm glad we finally got close-up video of Mars. I've been fascinated by flight and space travel since I was little, and I wanted to be an astronaut but now I can't. That's all right, but I would have hated to hear that when I was 8.

[Luke]

I've been working on planting evidence that China is planning on building a military base on Mars.

Quaid?

I like to think the US is building a military base...in China! Sure would help the national debt.

I feel safe in the fact that as long as there are smart people around, space exploration isn't going anywhere...I mean, space exploration WILL be going places.

Some of the great feats of space exploration go to non -government funded great minds with fat wallets. Looks like we have a few leaders with this project, which will inspire future leaders, which is what we need.

(sorry to bring this up again, but I will. I doubt in my lifetime I'll see a US President that is an actual leader. I've said before I wish we had a leader with the balls to say "we will build a colony on the moon in two years" or something that has that much of an impact.)


Blah blah, Space Rules!

You can get a great Meade telescope for cheap these days (don't buy from Sharper Image, derhhh). I suggest to nyone who enjoys the outdoors to pick one up and start star gazing.

It's a very relaxing hobby, and you actually discover things that may have previously gone unnoticed. And if you're a dork like me, you'll have plenty of "Come over here! You've GOT to see THIS!" moments.