Originally posted by weedwhacker
NOW, could someone please answer this question? If we assume that NASA has a 'secret' space program, known only by the Powers That Be (the PTB)
and is using the STS program as cover, why embarass themselves with the VERY public, and very tragic, now, catastrophic failures, not to mention the
continuing delays and launch scrubbings??
Whoa, hang on a second, weedwhacker. From a publicity point of view, the STS program has been a massive success, especially here in Australia.
Look at the failure rate of around 1 in 60. That's much better than NASA's other endeavours. Any program that involves spaceflight will be bound
to have human casualties at some point. You can't blame NASA for launch delays due to SAFETY reasons, can you? I think most people would be
reassured that the shuttle will be delayed until it is 'safe' to launch.
The STS porgram has always captured mainstream media attention in Australia, including all of the good things to spawn from it, such as the ISS.
I think, from a publicity point of view (even if it is purely a cover-story), the STS program has been a massive success that NASA has no reason to
feel embarrassed about!
The only reason that NASA should be embarrassed, is if they are indeed using STS as a cover story to conceal a secret space program.
(I always wondered why launches look really big, bright, pretty and explosive. My young boys see one on TV and tell me that it's 'fireworks'.
Anything that pretty has to be good, right? Especially when it is viewed by the average person in the street who only has a passing interest to the
bright lights and loud noise. Every launch is a massive success...)
[edit on 11-12-2007 by tezzajw]