On Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 11:29:16PM -0500, Rocky Jones wrote: > > Mark > > the two points you raise are interesting > > Education...you wrote in part "
"Yes, my new car failed to work so I had the local high school auto class work on it. It was quite an educational experience for them! They learned a lot! I never did get to use it, but it sure was educational!" That is not what I would call a success. It is indeed true that when something goes wrong in space, we have to grin and bear it, turning lemons into lemonade. etc. But to redefine what a success is, simply to put a positive spin on a failure, is counterproductive. It seems to me that the problems are acknowledged and are worked upon, makes more sense. I do not see the arguments for "It was a success because of its educational value" or "We are incompetent because it was a failure" to be of much long term use either. I do see admitting mistakes were made and fixing them, everyone else out of the way, to be much more productive. > Yes, we could kick a very > > basic linear transponder out of the ISS, and it would float around in > > LEO and allow you to make some contacts, but so what? What purpose > > would be served? > > A great deal. It would allow communications and experimentation and self > teaching in ham radio which is the essence of the hobby. I would agree. Why not be able to do both? ... > > Robert WB5MZO > > - 73 Diane VA3DB -- - [email protected] http://www.db.net/~db _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
