|
Author
|
Topic: A new subject !
|
mensax
Member Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002
|
posted 09-14-2003 06:53 AM
   
Whew! That "other" post sure has gotten long... and a bit old...I was thinking that if I had the option today of going up into space in either the Mercury capsule, the Gemini spacecraft, the Apollo CM, or the Shuttle. Which would I climb aboard? Well, for me there wasn't really anything to think about... I'd take the Apollo CM. Would anybody out there do anything different? Noah |
john ffoulkes
Member Posts: 146
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003
|
posted 09-14-2003 07:11 AM
No doubt about it, Apollo for me everytime. |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 400
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 09-14-2003 10:18 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mensax:
I was thinking that if I had the option today of going up into space in either the Mercury capsule, the Gemini spacecraft, the Apollo CM, or the Shuttle. Which would I climb aboard? Well, for me there wasn't really anything to think about... I'd take the Apollo CM. Would anybody out there do anything different? Noah
Wow! I was just thinking about this! I picked up the Spacecraft Films three DVD set of "Gemini". I was watching the onboard films and thought how I would love to fly a Gemini spacecraft. I think a few of the 'old school' astros liked it because the cockpit layout reminded them of a fighter aircraft. Actually, I wouldn't mind taking a ride in either Mercury, Gemini or Apollo. If we are talking shuttles, then we are talking the shuttle Orion from '2001'. :-) Gene [This message has been edited by Hawkman (edited September 14, 2003).] |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 09-14-2003 10:28 AM
This might sound odd, but I think I would prefer the Shuttle. Assuming we are only talking about the spacecraft itself and not any particular mission, than the Space Shuttle offers the most room to experience zero gravity, the best windows to watch Earth passing below, and the easiest access to climb outside for an EVA. It also offers the smoothest ride up (pogo does not sound like its any fun) and the easiest return (no waiting for a Navy fleet to find you). Not to mention that the Shuttle offers the most convenient bathroom, because when you have to go, you have to go...  Plus with all the souvenirs I would want to bring, that Payload Bay would be very useful.  Now, if we are talking about specific missions over spacecraft design, than sign me up for Apollo 17. [This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited September 14, 2003).] |
cklofas
Member Posts: 221
From: Euless,TX USA
Registered: Mar 2003
|
posted 09-14-2003 11:39 AM
Everything else being equal, I would prefer the Shuttle. The capsules, while great, are just too small for someone my size. That being said , if someone offered me a flight, the condition being I'd have to shoehorn into a Mercury, I'd certainly try |
BLACKARROW
unregistered
|
posted 09-14-2003 08:48 PM
But only Apollo gave you the chance to get out, stretch your legs, and have a proper walk... |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 09-14-2003 09:16 PM
Yes, but if I understand the original question -- we are only talking about the CM... |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
|
posted 09-15-2003 12:39 AM
I would take the shuttle. I grew up with it and know it best. In fact if I ever became an astronaut, and was too late for the shuttle, I would always be sorry I didn't get to fly on it. |
Matt T
Member Posts: 1368
From: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Registered: May 2001
|
posted 09-15-2003 03:34 AM
Apollo CM, has to be!If only to step out of the transfer van, look up at the Saturn V and know you'll be riding it in to space. Cheers,
Matt |
Fra Mauro
Member Posts: 1586
From: Bethpage, N.Y.
Registered: Jul 2002
|
posted 09-15-2003 10:36 AM
Apollo hands down! I hope NASA goes back to using ballistic capsules again. See the article on time.com under the science section |
DavidH
Member Posts: 1217
From: Huntsville, AL, USA
Registered: Jun 2003
|
posted 09-15-2003 11:11 AM
Count me in for the Shuttle. I've had the opportunity to sit in an Apollo replica, and if I'm going to be in microgravity, I want to enjoy it a little more than that affords you. |
Cliff Lentz
Member Posts: 655
From: Philadelphia, PA USA
Registered: Mar 2002
|
posted 09-15-2003 12:13 PM
Although I would really like to ride on the Shuttle, the orbiter has a big problem as we already know. The problem as I see it, is that the shuttle and the Mercury spacecraft is that the heat shield is exposed to the space environment the whole time it is in space. Anything can damage it as we have seen. There is also something to be said for the ejection seats in the Gemini spacecraft. If I had to pick I'd probably go Gemini. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 09-15-2003 12:15 PM
I believe it was Stafford who said that the ejection seats on Gemini could kill the occupant. |
Hawkman
Member Posts: 400
From: Union, New Jersey
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 09-15-2003 01:07 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
I believe it was Stafford who said that the ejection seats on Gemini could kill the occupant.
The ejection seat question was mentioned in the fine Gemini documentary that Andrew Chaikin wrote for the Spacecraft Films Gemini DVDs. I think all concerned knew it would destroy the capsule at the very least, most likely doing the same to the occupant. That's why Wally Schirra gets my vote for Big Brass Ones award for his actions during the Gemini VI shutdown. Everything around him told him that he was moving and to get out but he stayed put because he didn't FEEL it in the seat of his pants. As I watched films of the various launches, I thought about the lack of an escape tower on Gemini and thought about the possibilty of punching out at speeds faster than Mach 1. I'll take the tower. It seems NASA wised up (my opinion) and put a tower back on Apollo. I would STILL love to fly in a Gemini spacecraft though. :-) Gene
[This message has been edited by Hawkman (edited September 15, 2003).] |
DavidH
Member Posts: 1217
From: Huntsville, AL, USA
Registered: Jun 2003
|
posted 09-15-2003 01:22 PM
quote:
Although I would really like to ride on the Shuttle, the orbiter has a big problem as we already know.
As much talk as there is about the Shuttle being more dangerous, what sort of odds would anyone lay on either Mercury-Atlas, Gemini-Titan or Apollo-Saturn making 113 flights without loss of vehicle and crew? |
Bob M
Member Posts: 1744
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 09-15-2003 02:16 PM
GOOD point, David. A friend & I have talked about exactly the same thing. The fantastic Saturn V flew only 13 times; the Atlas only 4 times manned; and the Titan II ten times manned. There were 31 Mercury/Gemini/Apollo flights using five different man-rated launch vehicles with no serious problems. But the engine shutdown at ignition on GT-6 and the loss of one engine in the 1st stage on Apollo 13 were scary moments. But had the reliable Saturn 1B flown 113 times rather than the 5 times it did manned, who could say how many failures it may have had? Would the complex Saturn V have not failed at least once like the Shuttle did in 113 launches if it had been launched a like number of times? Maybe we're being a little too critical of the Space Shuttle; only one launch failure in 113, although a failure at launch later doomed STS-107. Bob McLeod |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 09-15-2003 02:39 PM
Count me in for the Apollo CM too. Matt, I'll ride with you if you like; it will give us a chance to catch up.Regards, Rick. |
Matt T
Member Posts: 1368
From: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Registered: May 2001
|
posted 09-15-2003 03:02 PM
Absolutely Rick but bagsy I get the spacewalk  Cheers,
Matt |
andrewcarson
Member Posts: 349
From: Liverpool UK
Registered: Sep 2002
|
posted 09-15-2003 03:12 PM
Matt & Rick...Count me in...there`s room for three. Apollo CSM anytime..... Andrew |
Matt T
Member Posts: 1368
From: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Registered: May 2001
|
posted 09-15-2003 05:32 PM
At last a serious commitment to space exploration from the UK, the first all British Apollo crew!Cheers,
Matt |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 09-15-2003 06:23 PM
Wecome aboard Andrew. I'd like a seat by the window please and autographs are $40 a shot. Autographica here I come.....Regards, Rick. |
Jake
Member Posts: 464
From: Issaquah, WA U.S.A.
Registered: Jun 2002
|
posted 09-15-2003 07:59 PM
Count me in on the Gemini any time. The sports car of space vehicles - although I'd like to take the Gemini for a spin around the moon. The physics might not be there, but that would be what I'd like to do!------------------
Jake Schultz - curator,
Newport Way Air Museum (OK, it's just my home) |
dss65
Member Posts: 1156
From: Sandpoint, ID, USA
Registered: Mar 2003
|
posted 09-15-2003 11:09 PM
I can't imagine passing up a ride on the Saturn V. Give me Apollo.------------------
Don |
Aztecdoug
Member Posts: 1405
From: Huntington Beach
Registered: Feb 2000
|
posted 09-15-2003 11:22 PM
I'm with the Gemini guys. Not only was the Gemini a sports car but it only took the Titan 5 minutes to get into orbit. That is fast, real fast!------------------
Warm Regards Douglas Henry Enjoy yourself and have fun.... it is only a hobby! |
advertisement