Comments on: Should the UK join the ISS? http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/ The Universe as seen from the perspective of an astronomical researcher, presenter and writer. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:44:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: simon rose http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/#comment-43735 simon rose Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:42:42 +0000 http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/#comment-43735 Chris, Thankyo for clearing up my misinformed rant, just goes to show that even scientific news can be wrong too, i was aware that british scientist are involved in the construction on the JWT and that too is a wonderful thing, but i hope that british involvement is going to continue, and not withdraw after a few years of operation. Im starting to wonder if anything ive read is at all true, i guess its a good thing there are people out there like yourself to put civies like me on the right path- thankyou. Simon P.s Keep up the good work on the sky at night - one of only a few programmes that is worth watching - well done. Chris,
Thankyo for clearing up my misinformed rant, just goes to show that even scientific news can be wrong too, i was aware that british scientist are involved in the construction on the JWT and that too is a wonderful thing, but i hope that british involvement is going to continue, and not withdraw after a few years of operation.
Im starting to wonder if anything ive read is at all true, i guess its a good thing there are people out there like yourself to put civies like me on the right path- thankyou.
Simon
P.s Keep up the good work on the sky at night - one of only a few programmes that is worth watching - well done.

]]> By: simon rose http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/#comment-43733 simon rose Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:32:14 +0000 http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/#comment-43733 Realizing my rant diverted slightly from the point i will like to ad that our own science and avenues of study should be priority and any British interest in ISS should stand as just observational, no part in a commercial flop as the ISS at this stage should be played, professional suicide- ok ok i think I've made my point, sorry. Although on another note, i was actually quite excited by the news of Britain joining the new space race, and developing an aerospace infrastructure and training UK astronauts as great as this sounds, considering the recent complaints of budget cuts and pulling out of a few scientific research ventures, why would a government than boast to put up cash for the most expensive schemes man can start a space programme ! the mind boggles. Realizing my rant diverted slightly from the point i will like to ad that our own science and avenues of study should be priority and any British interest in ISS should stand as just observational, no part in a commercial flop as the ISS at this stage should be played, professional suicide- ok ok i think I’ve made my point, sorry.

Although on another note, i was actually quite excited by the news of Britain joining the new space race, and developing an aerospace infrastructure and training UK astronauts as great as this sounds, considering the recent complaints of budget cuts and pulling out of a few scientific research ventures, why would a government than boast to put up cash for the most expensive schemes man can start a space programme !
the mind boggles.

]]> By: chrislintott http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/#comment-43732 chrislintott Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:27:41 +0000 http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/#comment-43732 Hi Simon Just a couple of clarifications which might cheer you up a bit. Firstly, there's been no cut to our contributions to ESA. Secondly, the UK is one of the countries which owns and operates the VLT (via our membership of ESO) and we're involved in building the JWST too. Hi Simon

Just a couple of clarifications which might cheer you up a bit. Firstly, there’s been no cut to our contributions to ESA. Secondly, the UK is one of the countries which owns and operates the VLT (via our membership of ESO) and we’re involved in building the JWST too.

]]> By: simon rose http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/#comment-43731 simon rose Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:22:49 +0000 http://chrislintott.net/2008/02/10/should-the-uk-join-the-iss/#comment-43731 Dear Chris, Being a committed enthusiast of astronomy in great Britain, in these recent years as the science, it seems, is getting seriously close to answering those important questions, or at least our scientists and industry having a direct influence within these fields, i find myself angered as our government is pulling out from many of the really important schemes and investments in aerospace and esa, I'm really not at all sure that the politicians have learned from previous mistakes, such as dropping bluestreak in the 70's when at a time satellite telecommunication was beginning an illustrious career, blowing apart our aerospace industry too, leaving the french rockets to make billions every year doing what bluestreak would have. Also the earth based telescope projects, evidence is showing that it may be quite fashionable these days to 'not' be part of this, why wouldn't it? most of the important science is done with the Keck, Binocular, VLT, and I'm sure even when the James webb telescope will be operational Britain again shall have her back turned, as she does again and again to the talent of astronomers and scientists who without backing nor support will be snapped up by the US or Europe, budgets are tight, i know, but a little less money on bullets and epensive munitions, and more money on a worthwhile cause of not only asking why, but handing the tools to those British astronomers and scientists who can answer those questions themselves and bring British science back up to where it used to be - cutting edge. Simon Rose Dear Chris,
Being a committed enthusiast of astronomy in great Britain, in these recent years as the science, it seems, is getting seriously close to answering those important questions, or at least our scientists and industry having a direct influence within these fields, i find myself angered as our government is pulling out from many of the really important schemes and investments in aerospace and esa, I’m really not at all sure that the politicians have learned from previous mistakes, such as dropping bluestreak in the 70’s when at a time satellite telecommunication was beginning an illustrious career, blowing apart our aerospace industry too, leaving the french rockets to make billions every year doing what bluestreak would have.
Also the earth based telescope projects, evidence is showing that it may be quite fashionable these days to ‘not’ be part of this, why wouldn’t it? most of the important science is done with the Keck, Binocular, VLT, and I’m sure even when the James webb telescope will be operational Britain again shall have her back turned, as she does again and again to the talent of astronomers and scientists who without backing nor support will be snapped up by the US or Europe, budgets are tight, i know, but a little less money on bullets and epensive munitions, and more money on a worthwhile cause of not only asking why, but handing the tools to those British astronomers and scientists who can answer those questions themselves and bring British science back up to where it used to be - cutting edge.
Simon Rose

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