Hidden Nook
"Because in Cyberspace, no one can hear you scream."
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Solar Opinions
Posted below are a few articles that may interest some readers along with commentary from this author. Today's top story deals with what (in this editor's opinion) is the beginning of the Russian domination of the space race.
(Space.com) The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to let NASA continue buying Russian spaceships to deliver astronauts and supplies to the space station until 2012. The Senate already adopted a similar measure, though some minor details need to be worked out before the legislation is finalized. (Media Source*)
Editor's note: This does not make this blogger particularly happy, although it is understandable why this law was passed (as NASA's shuttles are not exactly the ride of choice lately). The good news about this law is that it is temporarily, although it will give Russian technology an endorsement internationally, which will probably encourage other nations to lease their equipment in the future instead of the United States.
(Red Nova) The newly expanded NASA 'World Wind' computer program can 'transport' Web users to almost anyplace on the moon, when they zoom in from a global view to closer pictures of our natural satellite taken by the Clementine spacecraft in the 1990s. Computer programmers at NASA Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley originally designed the World Wind program to deliver satellite images and data of Earth to the Internet. Users can see detailed 3-D pictures of the Earth's land surface, including its elevation and climate. (Media Source*)
Editor's note: It is surprising that Google did not come out with this program first (although their Google Moon was a nice way of honoring NASA). Although very large and bloated, this program is well worth the download (unless you have dial-up) and would be recommended for any astronomer who enjoys viewing the lunar surface. You can download a version by clicking here.
(MSNBC) Small robots designed by University of Nebraska researchers may allow doctors on Earth to help perform surgery on patients in space.
The tiny, wheeled robots, which are about 3 inches tall and as wide as a lipstick case, can be slipped into small incisions and computer-controlled by surgeons in different locations.
Editor's note: Probably a good thing to have on board the space station, as well as a future launch towards Mars as the nearest medical facility might be millions of miles away. Now all they need is a holographic doctor. Yes, I am a trekky. ;)
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By Darnell Clayton ⢠12:12 AM ⢠Email Post ⢠â¢
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Opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of anyone that I work with, for, or associate with in any manner.
