begin oe_protect.scr
Roy Schestowitz <newsgroups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> espoused:
> __/ [ Jim ] on Saturday 08 July 2006 15:08 \__
>
>> I was reading a slashdot story on the space program (specifically the
>> recent successful shuttle launch) when I came across this:
>>
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury-Redstone_1
>>
>> -------------8<----------------------------------
>> The Redstone's engine cut out about 1 second after lift-off. The launch
>> failure was caused by a booster tail plug that pulled out too early,
>> about one inch (25 mm) after liftoff. The rocket rose about 4 inches
>> (100 mm) then settled back onto the launch pad and did not explode. An
>> odd series of events then took place.
>>
>> The Launch Escape System sensed the booster cutoff and fired the main
>> escape rockets. At the same time, it thought booster cutoff was a signal
>> to jettison itself, so it released the Mercury capsule. As a result the
>> Escape Rocket launched itself to a 4,000 ft (1,220 m) apogee and landed
>> 400 yards (365 m) away, but the capsule stayed behind on the rocket. The
>> Mercury spacecraft sensed escape system jettison, but thought it been
>> pulled away from an exploding booster and was falling. Three seconds
>> after the escape rocket fired, the spacecraft ejected its radio canister
>> and deployed its drogue, main and reserve parachutes.
>>
>> In the end, a fully fuelled, slightly wrinkled Redstone booster sat on
>> the launch pad, with live batteries and pyrotechnics. On top of it sat a
>> Mercury capsule with live batteries and more pyrotechnics and main and
>> reserve parachutes hanging down the side of the rocket, threatening to
>> tip the Redstone over if they caught enough wind. All that was launched
>> was the escape tower.
>>
>> -------------8<----------------------------------
>>
>> Immediately, the thought that flashed across my mind was "Was it running
>> Windows?".
>>
>> Then I realised that it was a few years ahead...
>>
>> Still made me chuckle at the thought.
>
> Have a look at the following news from Thursday.
>
> http://sema.autoblog.com/2006/07/06/microsoft-to-run-formula-1-in-2008/
>
> Microsoft to run Formula 1 in 2008
>
> Gives a whole new meaning to the term "crashes".
>
It does. I wonder how many drivers will have to die before somebody
realises that this was a bad idea?
Anyway, I shan't be attending any more Grand Prix, if this really
happens.
--
| Mark Kent -- mark at ellandroad dot demon dot co dot uk |
To be intoxicated is to feel sophisticated but not be able to say it.
|
|
