Andrea Leistra [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] wrote:
>
> On Mon, 6 Nov 2000, dendriite wrote:
>
> > From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
> > > spread it to a wider international group. Talk on the radio keeps
> > > focusing on a shorter catchier name for the space station besides
> > > International Space Station (ISS). Some say "Alpha", etc.
>
> > I heard on the radio this morning that it is officially Alpha now.
I haven't seen anything "official" yet - any pointers? Apparently, in
the first broadcast from the station, Bill Shepherd asked Dan Goldin for
permission to use the call sign "Alpha". Put on the spot with the
cameras watching, Goldin granted the use of the name for the first
mission.
That said, looks like everyone is happily calling it Alpha and NASA is
probably stuck with the name.
> Alpha is good. It suggests that there will be more.
Before the launch, some high-ranking Russians dissed that name, and
would prefer Beta - in deference to Mir. Ah well - Mir was never
intended to be permanently manned, was it?
Joshua
