DailyTech - International Space Updates, February 2007

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Science International Space Updates, February 2007
Michael Hoffman (Blog) - February 12, 2007 12:01 AM

6 comment(s) - last by Ringold.. on Feb 12 at 8:20 PM

A February International Space Update to help start off the week

In an effort to try and track disasters such as typhoons and tsunamis, Japan recently launched a satellite-based alert system that will immediately relay potential disaster information to help aid in necessary evacuations. The system, called J-ALERT, offers tsunami warnings that occur after large earthquakes, with the information going directly to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The new system will be tested in 10 prefectures and four towns, while the overall goal is to have the technology in all local areas around Japan.

Japan is known as being one of the world's most seismically active nations, experiencing around 10% of the world's earthquakes that are magnitude 6 or above. One of the biggest problems facing rescue workers and government agencies after they get the system running is to be able to get civilians to evacuate after a tsunami warning.

Not surprisingly, the case of Navy Captain Lisa Nowak attacking a fellow astronaut has still been one of the most popular space-related news stories from the past week. While NASA is internally reviewing their screening procedures for astronauts, it is also facing a public relations nightmare because of the incident. Some critics of the U.S. space organization have come forward to say that perceiving astronauts as stars and heroes may be one of the causes of added stress that astronauts already must endure. Former NASA psychiatrist Patricia Santy said, "I really believe that NASA goes overboard in promoting how heroic and super all these people are."

Granada Media, a television and movie product company, has even gone as far as to turn the entire Nowak affair into a film. After getting initial rights to the idea, the company has not announced whether the story would be developed into a feature or television movie.

The search into how an intelligent, highly successful U.S. Naval Academy graduate can snap and ultimately be charged with attempted murder will surely continue with speculation coming from every direction.

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Media FTL

By Master Kenobi

(blog) on 2/12/2007 8:29:01 AM , Rating: 4

Only because the media loves a good scandal/tragedy.

Clinton/Lewinsky Fiasco.

9/11 Fiasco.

Bush/Iraq War.

Anna Nicole Smith Death.

NASA Astronaut charged with attempted murder.

Really, when you think about it. They report a ton of what they think sells. And people love getting into other people's business, so it all rounds out in the end. Now if the media would just report the news and stop hyping things or keep their fingers out of peoples lives then we would be set. Right now the media reports whatever they want, and play a big part in public opinion. They don't report the opinions, they report the ones they want and sway the public in whatever direction they choose. It's sad really, but hey what do you expect with so many morons on the planet.

RE: Media FTL

By NullSubroutine on 2/12/2007 9:20:49 AM , Rating: 3

Like the news story about the 12 Billion in cash mission (supposed to be going to Iraq) was a top story until, yes you named it, Anna Nicole Smith died. Now it's 12 what?

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RE: Media FTL

By dice1111 on 2/12/2007 10:02:01 AM , Rating: 2

Your right, but the media doesn't care. It's simple; they want ratings and this stuff sells. It's all about the Benjamins baby...

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RE: Media FTL

By Master Kenobi

(blog) on 2/12/2007 11:22:00 AM , Rating: 2

Indeed. News is no different thatn TV Dramas, Sitcom's, Reality TV, etc....

It's all about ratings, and benjamins. :(

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RE: Media FTL

By Ringold on 2/12/2007 8:08:04 PM , Rating: 2

News is one thing I don't like to think about, for just that reason..

Privately owned, for-profit news gives us crap in terms of quality, but makes money. The government could produce quality, but history shows that's a great way to kiss liberty good-bye. Non-profits like PBS already barely scrape by.

Whats the solution then when the private market and government both have failed? Asides from culture change, which is impeded by the news, I have no clue.

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Heaven forbid..

By Ringold on 2/12/2007 8:20:15 PM , Rating: 2

Heaven forbid I expect highly educated, highly trained professionals to act like good, high-class upright citizens at all times when they get to take BILLION DOLLAR JOY RIDES WITH MY INCOME TAXES. In fact, since I'm paying for it, a lot of the guys already look nice, but I'd like to see some babe astronauts. They can't be THAT hard to pluck out of PhD programs.

But I forgot. The media glorifies trailer trash, etc, and calls it politically incorrect to refer to six-pack Joe Schmoe as such. No, we obviously need 'normal' astronauts; a little overweight, a couple drunks, one or two coke whores, the token mentally handicaped one and hey, why not, an illegal immigrant.

(Flame Shield: I know a lot of good people have lived in trailers at one point; those aren't the types I'm refering to)