On 8/5/11 2:33 PM, Ted wrote: > Americans built it. They should have the naming rights. > > Just because some Russians threw it off their space ship does not give them > the right to name it (it just gives them the right to break it!)
Americans built the spacecraft BUS. That's most of the spacecraft, but not all of it. It is also carrying a scientific experiment built by Russian university students. This is a highly significant part of the spacecraft in that it formed much of the justification for the Russians to agree to launch it. And no, I don't consider the launch of a satellite equivalent to a trip on a container ship. Value-wise, even a launch to LEO is literally worth its weight in gold. It is an extremely valuable service and one well worth some delays, inconveniences -- and bumps -- to get. Phil, KA9Q _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. 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
