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Author
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Topic: Why Not?
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collshubby
Member Posts: 591
From: Madisonville, Louisiana
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-07-2000 10:00 PM
   
I have just finished reading Joe Davies' coulmn and thought about the fact that none of the Apollo astronauts have a moonrock sample for themselves. I think it is a shame, and that NASA and the government have short changed the astronauts. A piece, even if it is a small piece, but large enough to hold in their hand and remember their trips, should be given to the astronauts of Apollo 1, as well as Apollo 7-17. I remember reading awhile back that some were trying to get Congress to mint a special medal for all of the Apollo astronauts, and on the medal would be a piece of moonrock. But this never came to pass. Each living astronaut would recieve one, and the next of kin of those who are deceased would recieve one in the astronaut's honor. I believe this is an excellent way for the U.S. government and NASA to honor the Apollo astronauts. |
Odyessy85
Member Posts: 61
From:
Registered: May 2000
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posted 09-09-2000 11:03 PM
Great Idea. The problem the US government doesnt support NASA as much as it did in the 60's. More money is being spent on humanitarian projects like helping the starving and the homeless than on NASA. Dont get me wrong I do bieleve in helping the less fortunate its just that the government is in my opinion messed up when it comes to projects and budgets. the administration over the past 8 years has not helped a considerable amount. I might be getting a little off topic but seeing as were talking about the Government passing the astronauts over Id like to speak my point. Speaking of government did you all know George W has said he supports an increased NASA Budget a Lunar Base and a MArs manned program. (think mars.net go to the message board and scorrl down a bit theres a post on this in there).Thanks all for reading this,
Andrew
AD ASTRA PER ASPA |
Joe Davies
Member Posts: 258
From: UK
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 09-10-2000 11:21 AM
The cost would be minimal. By my calculations there must be a few hundredweight of moon rocks in the Nasa storage facilities, so a pound weight of rock wouldnt exactly decimate the hoard and would split up nicely into a couple of dozen presentations for the astronauts.Joe |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-10-2000 02:14 PM
I think the govenment's concern is less financially driven than how to keep the rock with the astronaut.Obviously, the intent would be to give the rock to the astronaut but prevent him to turn around and sell it for millions (the government cannot "officially" be party to using its property to make another individual rich.) There is current legislation to award a moon rock to each moonwalker (personally I think it should be given to every astronaut who flew prior to Skylab) taking into consideration the ownership restrictions. Unfortunately, it has not received Congress' time for review as more pressing matters (health care, campaign finance reform, etc.) has taken precedence (as they should). You can read about the proposed legislation here:
http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-072699b.html
[This message has been edited by Robert Pearlman (edited September 10, 2000).] | |
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