Comments on: Why No Shuttle for Houston? Because Space Center Houston Isn’t So Big with the Tourists

By: JP

JP — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 14:21:41 +0000

I disagree with Bolden changing the criteria, that was a horrible move on his part. Historical significance and connection to the program should have played a much larger role; otherwise, if we want to put shuttles where they’ll be seen by international tourists why don’t we put them in Disney Land and Vegas while we’re at it? By the way, why is it more important that international tourists see them than our own citizens? Are we trying to flaunt our achievements to other countries? If that was a decision made under Bush he’d be getting crucified right now.

But in defense of Bolden, it’s also quite possible that he is just the fall guy for Obama right now; after all, Bolden has to do what his boss directs. In 2010, his boss directed him to make Muslim outreach a prime focus for NASA. No joke, google it.

THAT’S what’s sad. Not Houston being rightfully upset over changing criteria and a huge snub after decades of dedication to the program.

By: kilray

kilray — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 02:36:02 +0000

I agree with Bolden, our proposal sucked rocket butt. The shuttles will provide much more interest in NASA elsewhere. Boohoo, the quarterback got the prom queen even after we tutored her in math.

As for the current administration “gutting” the space program, get used to NASA in a new role. I’m a space fanatic and a big fan of NASA’s achievements, but I see this as inevitable. Painful change, but needed. The only way to overcome the tremendous financial and technological hurdles of colonizing the solar system at more than the current snail’s pace is with a much more balanced collaborative effort between NASA, private industry and foreign programs.

By: firehat

firehat — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:36:06 +0000

Maybe if Space Center Houston was actually about, oh, maybe SPACE, it would be more popular. Everytime I see anything about SCH it is hosting something about NASCAR racing or bugs or Harry Potter. It is an embarassment and I really can’t blame NASA for not wanting to put a shuttle there.

By: John

John — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:22:42 +0000

it’s amazing how much of the complaining boils down to “But Mommy, I *WANT* it.”

The shuttle isn’t Houston’s. It’s America’s. The best use for it is to educate and inspire young people and get them interested in space exploration. Wherever it can do that is the best place for it.

The “controversy” about this mostly makes Houston looks like the home of a bunch of whiney-ass pussies who throw a fit when they don’t get their candy. Sad.

By: Jimbo

Jimbo — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:05:06 +0000

It’s very convenient to pretend that California had no part in the space program, particularly if you are trying to advance the conspiracy theory that California only got a shuttle because they are a blue state. However it conveniently ignores the fact that all of the orbiters were built either in Palmdale CA or Downey CA. To be honest if California had not got a shuttle it would have been more of a snub than Houston not getting one. Southern California has been instrumental in the design and manufacture of pretty much every spacecraft we have ever launched. Hell, Saturn V was built in California, they should probably be griping that we got that one instead of them. Take off the tin hats folks and get back to reality.

By: Wayne S.

Wayne S. — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:39:30 +0000

Houston, Huntsville and Cocoa Beach are the space program and the decision should have been made based on historical importance and not whether the area is a tourist trap. Plenty of people would come to Houston to see such a piece of our history and the genesis for much of the worlds technical advancement. Bolden is President Obamas lap dog hatchet man and there is no report or commision which can change that. He should be asked to leave the Houston area and not come back. He is a lousy administrator who was put there because he would not utter a peep when the space program was gutted. Given our current economic problems in this country it is perhaps necessary that the spending on space be cut back, but frankyly that could be accomplished by a return to the origins of spaceflight when it was understood and accepted that there would be accidents and loss of life. Those original 7 astronauts all knew and accepted that danger, because they were adrenaline junkies as well as brave individuals. Instead we have taken safety to a level where we cannot afford the cost. I venture a guess that even now most of the current astronauts would tell you that they would die for the opportunity to go into space. Most of us cannot understand that because we do not have that in our makeup.

By: Htownproud

Htownproud — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 06:04:36 +0000

The problem is the thing is in clear lake. If we would have built a mesuem for the shuttle in the Houston museum district it would have attracked folks. Putting this pork in BFE 40 years ago finally bit us in the ass.

By: mek ju

mek ju — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 05:27:29 +0000

knowing a NASA team was assigned to perform this level of analysis makes me less bitter about losing the opportunity. sure, i’d love to only have to burn a couple of gallons of houston’s re-finest to touch the real thing, but i have to echo the soft sentiment for what is billed as a “houston” attraction (despite being an uncomfortable drive for 90% of houston proper). if after you become a FMECA (failure mode effects and criticality analysis) expert you decide to post, the rest of the scientific world is listening.

By: iah/pdx

iah/pdx — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:06:15 +0000

Third-generation Texan/Houstonian here, now in Oregon for work. I have been to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, OR (an exurb near Portland), and I have to tell you: it puts Space Center Houston to shame. Really, is SCH even a museum? I wish it were different, because I’m a proud Texan. But look at the other comments about the lack of strong content and the neglect at SCH. We have to open our eyes to a more competitive world outside Texas–the same thing happened to Dallas a few years back when Boeing chose Chicago over Big D for its new HQ (Dallas folks: “How could they?”). I think Dallas and its business and political leaders, then, upped its game in a lot of ways that have helped since.

By: doofus

doofus — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:31:23 +0000

Good thing that shuttle isn’t sitting on the Hudson River right now because it might not survive Irene… Wonder what NYC’s plans were to protect the shuttle?

By: markd

markd — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 02:39:27 +0000

How is “Obama be lovin” racist?

By: Hdtexan

Hdtexan — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:17:53 +0000

Racist much “cross”??? How do these comments get past the moderator. No wonder Houston is the armpit of Texas….And that’s saying alot! Redneck paradise.