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Author
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Topic: WikiLeaks: Turkish astronaut for a Boeing Sale
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-03-2011 08:22 AM
As part of a New York Times report, a WikiLeaks-sourced dipolmatic cable reveals that in an attempt to "persuade authorities in Turkey to buy Boeing commercial planes for Turkish Airlines -- which is part owned by the government -- the State Department fielded requests from Turkey to help it build its own space program, including perhaps putting a Turkish astronaut on a NASA flight." In addition to FAA assistance, Yildirim hinted obliquely that Turkey's desire to send an astronaut into space -- expressed in a letter from President Gul to President Obama -- is also tied into its consideration of commercial deals, and that NASA assistance to help stand up Turkey's nascent space program would be viewed positively. Ambassador Jeffrey noted that scheduling a Turkish astronaut on an upcoming mission would be extremely difficult, but that other technical assistance from NASA in establishing Turkey's space program might be a possibility. Ambassador James Jeffrey ends the Jan. 19, 2010 cable with... While there should not be a link between this deal and FAA/NASA assistance in developing Turkey's aviation and aerospace agencies, such assistance in and of itself could be mutually beneficial and merits further study. We probably cannot put a Turkish astronaut in orbit, but there are programs we could undertake to strengthen Turkey's capacity in this area that would meet our own goals for improved aviation safety in the region. According to the Times, Turkish Airlines ordered 20 Boeing planes a month later. |
cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-03-2011 09:19 AM
Free market, free trade, capitalism rules. Right. |
issman1 Member Posts: 1042 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
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posted 01-03-2011 09:40 AM
Didn't Russia do the same before Malaysian Sheikh Musazaphur Shakor visited the ISS in 2007?If Turkey truly wants an astronaut in orbit it should negotiate a deal with SpaceX in the near-future. |
cspg Member Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 01-03-2011 10:03 AM
My post was not specifically directed at the State Dept. and Boeing. Just a comment about world business and politicians. | |
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Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a
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