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Author
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Topic: Space Language
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Cliff Lentz
Member Posts: 655
From: Philadelphia, PA USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 12-04-2003 09:31 AM
   
Yesterday, while giving my weekly NASA update on the local Sports radio station in Philadelphia, I was asked about space related sayings. It came up because most of Philadelphia has been saying "T-3 days till the Eagles play Dallas." They wanted to know if there are any other space-related sayings we might use in everyday life and although I was not really sure that T- talk started with NASA, I said it did. After that though I drew a blank. I was hoping someone out there might have some ideas. My problem is I am also deeply into baseball and always use baseball references (That idea is right out of left field...) plus space or aviation references may be a little vague. Any thoughts?Thanks,
Cliff |
rjurek349
Member Posts: 1190
From: Northwest Indiana
Registered: Jan 2002
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posted 12-04-2003 09:36 AM
Cliff --Good topic. Seems to me people use "pushing the envelope" a lot...or at least, I hear that often. And the "houston, we have a problem" phrase...well, I often hear that from people who've seen the movie, and then have a problem with something they are working on. It generally gets a good laugh. Rich |
Sy Liebergot
Member Posts: 501
From: Pearland, Texas USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 12-04-2003 03:38 PM
As most of us know, it's "Houston, we've had a problem." :-))
Sy |
rjurek349
Member Posts: 1190
From: Northwest Indiana
Registered: Jan 2002
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posted 12-04-2003 03:50 PM
And, Sy, you would know! :-) Thanks for that correction. Rich |
FFrench
Member Posts: 3161
From: San Diego
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 12-04-2003 04:22 PM
The "one small step... one giant leap" is a phrase which many amend - used a lot but probably not overused yet - unlike "the right stuff," which has been used to death by the media when mentioning anything space-related... |
Andy McCulley
Member Posts: 245
From: Lansdale, PA
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 12-04-2003 04:38 PM
How about.... everything is "A-ok" |
spaceuk
Member Posts: 2113
From: Staffs, UK
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-04-2003 04:49 PM
We have a touchdown is one used round here a lot - to mean when someone has arrived at an event etc.Sometimes use "Going for an EVA" when going the loo :-) And "Urine dumped" when succesful! "Spaced out" used to be used a lot in late 60s and 70s but don't know if that's still used?
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-04-2003 05:05 PM
Though not invented for the space program, I think the term "rendezvous" was made popular by the coverage of the Gemini missions. |
Carrie
Member Posts: 225
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 12-04-2003 06:38 PM
Space cadet/cadette for an absent-minded person, "Earth to so-and so" when someone is thinking and not paying attention. Again, these were used more in the 70's and 80's than now.Also, I tell people "All systems go" or "Nominal" when they ask how things are, and they're going okay. I think only the first would be used by non-space buffs  [This message has been edited by Carrie (edited December 04, 2003).] |
STEVE SMITH
unregistered
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posted 12-04-2003 10:03 PM
Cliff, how about the "countdown" of "10, 9. 8, ----,3, 2, 1,"
I grew up in the 50's during the emergence of Rocket Lauches, and I believe the above came into common usuage for a number of applications from the Space Age. Perhaps New Years Countdowns, but in general, I believe this is from Space Age. |
WAWalsh
Member Posts: 809
From: Cortlandt Manor, NY
Registered: May 2000
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posted 12-05-2003 09:34 AM
A-ok predated Alan Shepard's mission. I believe it is a nautical phrase, but am drawing a blank on the source at the moment. Of course, the phrase was Shorty Power's, not Shepard's. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-05-2003 09:44 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Cliff Lentz:
My problem is I am also deeply into baseball and always use baseball references (That idea is right out of left field...) plus space or aviation references may be a little vague. Any thoughts?Thanks,
Cliff
It all depends on one's background and whatever popular culture references are. I'm forever telling people to "Check their six" as they're about to back into something (while walking, no less) or saying, "Watch the mountains!" (from Top Gun) when it looks like they're about to hit something (the curb, a car, and so on....) Then there's the "Don't call me unless it's a national emergency." No idea how that got started.... |
Rodina
Member Posts: 836
From: Lafayette, CA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 12-05-2003 09:59 AM
A friend of mine was once driving us down the freeway WAY, WAY too fast (and my tolerances are pretty high). I finally looked over to him and said, "Challenger, you are go at throttle up."He slowed down.
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tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 12-05-2003 05:03 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Rodina:
A friend of mine was once driving us down the freeway WAY, WAY too fast (and my tolerances are pretty high). I finally looked over to him and said, "Challenger, you are go at throttle up."He slowed down.
Your friend must be into space stuff also? I think my friends would have just looked over and said "huh?" Tom |
Sy Liebergot
Member Posts: 501
From: Pearland, Texas USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 12-05-2003 05:25 PM
One saying that we flight controllers frequently used in response to a query by the Flight Director was: "Standby one, Flight."
Sy |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-06-2003 12:44 AM
This winter weather advisory reminded me of one saying I frequently use: "I'm waiting for a go/no go" when I'm waiting to see how things are before I make up my mind.... |
icarkie
Member Posts: 618
From: BURTON ON TRENT /England
Registered: Nov 2002
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posted 12-06-2003 07:42 AM
Following what Hart said.
imagine the scene,It vacation time, the kids are playing up the wife is giving you ear ache and you just want to get away.We need a go no go for this trip.
BOOSTER-GO.
RETRO - GO.
VITAL - WE'RE GO FLIGHT.
GUIDANCE - GUIDANCE,GO.
SURGEON - GO FLIGHT.
ECOMM - GO FLIGHT. (thanks Sy)
G and C - WE'RE GO.
TELMU - GO.
CONTROL - GO FLIGHT.
PROCEDURES - GO.
ENCO - GO.
FAO - WE'RE ARE GO.
NETWORK - GO.
RECOVERY - GO
CAPCOM - WE'RE GO FLIGHT. (well it could happen lol)
Ian
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