# How Many of You Would Like to Ride on the Next Shuttle Mission?

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [February 2, 2003, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302 "2003-02-02T14:16:19Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 3

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### Author: ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2003, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/41 "2003-02-02T23:04:43Z")

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I’d go in a heartbeat, no question, i wouldn’t even have to think about it.

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### Author: ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2003, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/42 "2003-02-02T23:05:34Z")

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I’d go - it’s ridiculous to imagine that after so many successful missions there is now suddenly some design problem with the shuttles. Sure there are risks, but I’d go.

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### Author: ![CuriousCanuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@CuriousCanuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CuriousCanuck)
#### Post date: [February 2, 2003, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/43 "2003-02-02T23:45:26Z")

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I’d go as well. No doubt.

[hijack]

Great quote and potential new sig line:

> [@](#):
>
> In zero-G you wouldn’t pogo - you’d just po. Then your head would hit the ceiling.

[/hijack]

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### Author: ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/44 "2003-02-03T00:01:05Z")

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good to go.

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### Author: ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/45 "2003-02-03T01:24:01Z")

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OK next launch of the space shuttle will be:  
1 Tuckerfan  
2 SCSimmons  
3 AHunter3  
4 k2dave (shotgun called)  
5 jjimm  
6 Bosda Di’Chi of Tricor  
7 qts  
The 2nd to next launch will have  
1 NoClueBoy  
2 cjhoworth  
3 Lightnin’ (all the freezedried icecream you can eat (and after eating some I don’t think you will want much)  
4 Chandeleur (sorry no windows will be installed, Plus the crew compartment would be too crowded during orbital flight)  
5 Venoma  
6 japatlgt (slot open if pogo’s don’t work in 0g)  
7 OldBroad  
3rd flight  
1 Drastic  
2 FisherQueen  
3 RickJay  
4 vibrotronica  
5 Angel of the Lord  
6 Doctor  
7 LIONsob

4th flight  
1 whiterabbit  
2 MaddyStrut  
3 Wearia  
4 LurkMeister  
5 LurkMeister’s wife (must be a straight dope member or the slot opens)  
6 TVGuy  
7 Greywolf73  
5th flight  
1 Flymaster  
2 Baldwin (perhaps neading 2 seats ;))  
3 Ranchoth  
4 peri  
5 clayton\_e  
6 Weirddave  
7 Mangetout

6th flight  
1 CuriousCanuck  
2 rocking chair  
That’s as far as I’m booking right now, Remember your flight number, listen for departing shuttle news and be on time for liftoff. No-shows will not be automatically rebooked. Standby may be available if there is a noshow and will be on a first come first served basis. All flights are nonsmoking but once orbit is achieved smoking will be allowed outside the craft.

Please remember that the treaty of non-prolifiation prevents any passengers from carrying any nuclear devices into space.

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### Author: ![Nightsong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nightsong/32/3083_2.png) [@Nightsong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nightsong)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/46 "2003-02-03T01:50:44Z")

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Heck, I’ll go! I’m small enough they could stuff me in a luggage bin… and I’d be nice and safely cushioned. (I just hope no one stuffs all their dirty socks in there for re-entry!) 😃

Although, what use they’d have for a CompSci/Math person, I dunno. Reprogramming faulty components on the fly? Someone to crack bad 2001 jokes?

* * *

\<\< It’s not hard to meet expenses, they’re everywhere. \>\>

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### Author: ![stochastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e19b73/32.png) [@stochastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stochastic)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/47 "2003-02-03T02:17:30Z")

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I’m a high school science teacher. Just last week I was forwarded an email from NASA with an attached application for the Teacher in Space Program, which they’re restarting. I was considering filling it out and sending it in, just for kicks. I would make a great candidate: I have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, in my mid-30’s, in good health, live and work in an area with strong ties to the aerospace industry, and my grandfather was an engineer and helped build the shuttles (something the PR people would have to love). But, alas, I also have a lovely wife and two young kids, and the Columbia disaster has given me pause…but I probably would go if my family was OK with it.

I wonder if they’ll now cancel the Teacher in Space program?

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### Author: ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/48 "2003-02-03T03:14:43Z")

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I’m in. Can I take a turn at the wheel? I’d love to spin a sh\*ttie in space.

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### Author: ![Wearia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/13edae/32.png) [@Wearia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wearia)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/49 "2003-02-03T03:25:13Z")

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Ok then I claim the position of Captain/Pilot/DashingHeroThatGetsTheGirl for flight 4.

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### Author: ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/50 "2003-02-03T03:41:55Z")

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I’m an English prof…but heck, I can put stuff together–chairs, workstations, printer stands–and I can program VCRS and crap like that. Any room for such as Me? I? Huh?

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### Author: ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/51 "2003-02-03T04:00:01Z")

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Pack? Doubt they would like what I brought anyway. Just let me drop off my cats at my folk’s house and I’m there!!!

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### Author: ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/52 "2003-02-03T04:08:09Z")

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OH, and I want to bring my telescope. It’s just a 6-inch Dob, but in space I have a feeling the view will be REALLY good. 🙂

I’m not exactly sure how I can use it, but I’ll figure something out.

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### Author: ![foxfiregrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3da27b/32.png) [@foxfiregrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foxfiregrrl)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/53 "2003-02-03T04:21:27Z")

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No way. Even before yesterday. You’d have to hit me over the head and drag me there unconscious. And then you’d have to deal with one angry, freaked out foxfiregrrl for the entire trip.

Anyway, there’s pleanty of other adventurous souls who would properly enjoy the trip.

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### Author: ![NotWithoutRage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NotWithoutRage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotWithoutRage)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/54 "2003-02-03T04:26:10Z")

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I’d go in a second.

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### Author: ![Grelby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a5b964/32.png) [@Grelby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grelby)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/55 "2003-02-03T05:15:51Z")

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Put me on the flight roster, I’m coming to.

Especially if they’ll let me fly the thing. Pretty please? 😃

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### Author: ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/56 "2003-02-03T05:25:23Z")

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Ya’ll gotta have a good mechanic with you.  
I’m in, just tell me where and when.

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### Author: ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/57 "2003-02-03T05:27:18Z")

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I’m in, research on the aged is my specialty. I’m the subject.

I got the most flight hours so I get to be ‘pilot’ on my crew. 😃

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### Author: ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/58 "2003-02-03T05:35:01Z")

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I’d go, no question about it. I’ve no SO, no strong family links, no children to hold me back. I’d go, even if I die Out There (with my luck, it would be an embarassing and fatal case of space-sickness). Space is my greatest dream.

So… anyone need an almost-forty-year-old bilingual cartoonist who can write technical manuals, knows his way around the insides of a Linux box, and who is on a fitness program? 🙂

Aside: back in the early eighties, my sister actually applied for the Canadian astronaut carps. But they said they didn’t need any poets in space…

Short-sighted, in my opinion.

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### Author: ![Michael\_Ellis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@Michael\_Ellis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Ellis)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/59 "2003-02-03T05:36:03Z")

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I’ll go. Hell, I’d pay to go on the next one.

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### Author: ![Coil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Coil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coil)
#### Post date: [February 3, 2003, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-would-like-to-ride-on-the-next-shuttle-mission/152302/60 "2003-02-03T11:20:51Z")

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I´d go for a ride. Not if it was 100% certain to crash though, but I´d willingly face the normal risks and the hard work of training for it.

Now, if I could only come up with a reason as to why they should send me as a consultant and economist into space …

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