Topic: First signed message sent from space station
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 23493 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted July 23, 2010 01:30 PM
NASA release
NASA Astronaut Sends First Signed Message from Orbit
The number of languages used on the International Space Station has recently increased. In addition to those spoken in the 15 countries that have had representatives aboard the space station, American Sign Language, or ASL, is now included. NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson has sent a message in ASL from the station to the deaf community.
In the video, Caldwell Dyson answered several questions about living and working aboard the station and how she became interested in sign language.
"I am truly grateful for this opportunity on behalf of the deaf community and the multitudes of students who will benefit from seeing their language spoken in space," Caldwell Dyson said. "It is my hope that this video will help inspire our next generation of scientists and explorers."
As NASA's missions advance beyond Earth's orbit, the agency will continue its efforts to highlight its diverse workforce. NASA strives to assist the next generation of researchers to gain access to science-related fields.
Caldwell Dyson will work on several other videos targeted to users of ASL. When the videos are completed, they will be posted on the agency's website
irish guy Member
Posts: 243 From: Kerry Ireland Registered: Dec 2001
posted July 24, 2010 01:58 PM
Very interesting to watch. I also recall that Bill Readdy also sent a message with sign language during one of his first flights back in the 90's. I remember speaking to him about it. Does anyone else remember this?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 23493 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted July 24, 2010 05:58 PM
Bill Readdy did send a message in American Sign Language, or ASL, during the January 1992 space shuttle Discovery mission, STS-42.
The idea stemmed from crew's study into the effects of microgravity on the human vestibular system as part of the International Microgravity Laboratory-1.
Credit: NASA/Gallaudet University (Deaf Mosaic) Episode #804)
KSCartist Member
Posts: 2300 From: Titusville, FL USA Registered: Feb 2005
posted July 25, 2010 05:42 AM
I guess NASA needs to change the title of their press release about Tracy's message, maybe to "First Signed Message from the ISS."
They should have been aware of Bill Readdy's message.
BMckay Member
Posts: 1576 From: MA, USA Registered: Sep 2002
posted July 26, 2010 08:02 AM
I have had the opportunity to help bring an astronaut to the Horace Mann School and the Perkins school. Those kids and astronaut did a great job. It was an great experience for all. You would think the kids would not get a lot out but we all did.
Nothing beats a student asking how to go to the bathroom in space and the signer looking very perplexed on how to describe it. I shook my head and told them it probably would be a good idea to sign it otherwise everyone would be laughing for hours.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 23493 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted July 26, 2010 08:28 AM
quote:Originally posted by KSCartist: I guess NASA needs to change the title...
posted July 23, 2010 01:30 PM
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