Space Station repair, etc

I’ll be honest, I really like the idea of the International Space Station. The detractors will often say things like it “doesn’t serve a practical purpose” or “wastes resources”. And the relatively frequent minor mechanical or software problems experienced by the station get served up as an example of shoddy engineering or workmanship. I think it’s a little ridiculous. You can barely find a car where the bumper doesn’t fall off after a few years, and we’re complaining about some hiccups after we shoot things into space on the tip of a goddamn rocket? People need to get a little bit more of a grip on reality. The space station serves not just as an opportunity for countries to work together on collaboration in mechanical, astrological, and biological pursuits. But most importantly, it serves as one of the few areas where we are still pushing the envelope of science and engineering in a non-military way. Sure, you could probably use the space station for military purposes, but it’s really not about that. Missiles and lasers can do everything that space station could ever do, and better. No, the benefit is that there is at least something out there for future scientists to latch onto as a goal and an icon for advancement of technology. Along with the moon and mars rover programs, the ISS pretty much stands out in this respect. The spin-offs from advanced technology development in these areas are impossible to predict, but are frequently huge commercial successes. (Think: Velcro).

 

Anyway. I like the ISS. And I want to visit it someday…