Space Video of the Day - 071209

Today's space video of the day is a news conference given earlier today by NASA. On four out of the last seven launches, the engine cut-off sensors have failed during the shuttle external tank filling process, and it happened yet again today. After over a hundred launches they still haven't figured out the problem with this relatively simple back-up part, which doesn't speak well for the level of competence of those involved with Shuttle operations - no matter what lame excuses you hear in this video. With the ECO sensors they seem to be repeating the mistake which brought down the space shuttle Columbia: "oh, this particular problem hasn't killed anyone yet, so maybe it isn't that big of a deal".

Also, I am pretty sure that the external tank being used on this particular shuttle launch, which was to launch the ESA's Columbus module to the international space station, is the same tank that was so heavily damaged by hail in a launch attempt earlier in this year - and NASA still hasn't figured out that putting up a simple tent to protect their two billion dollar asset from hail is a good idea.

I am thoroughly disgusted by NASA. They are giving rocket science a bad name.


Space Video of the Day Archive