$700,000,000 Space Launch
Started by curtrenz, 05/06/2006 02:55PM
Posted 05/06/2006 02:55PM
Opening Post
Posted 05/06/2006 05:04PM
#1
Don't believe everything you hear. And these scientists are not always honest people when dealing with government funding.
I remember when I was working with the space program, I was asked to be part of a collaboration where I was one of three scientists asked to launch three million dollars into space. We were each given instructions to prepare a capsule that would safely launch one million dollars into space (there would be no need to worry aobut safe re-entry we were told).
Well, we each came up with compatible capsules, and were appropriately paid for our work. Then, to test the results we were given a million dollars in twenties and hundreds to put into the respective capsules.
Launch day came, and everything went well, including the re-entry, where everything burned up.
I was happy I had done a good job.
The other two guys were looking a little sheepish, though. And I asked them what was going on. The first looked at me and finally said that he felt a little guilty because he had kept $100,000 back to fund an observatory he and his students were building. Therefore, only $900,000 had gone up. The second tried to avoid the conversation, but then admitted he had kept out $200,000 because he had a new project going and his NSF grant had run out.
In short, their two million was at least $300 k short.
So, don't believe all this stuff you read.
I, of course was an honest scientist just trying to do what was right. If you don't believe me, you can check my bank records. I had deposited the whole amount in my checking account, and then immediately written a personal check, which I placed in the capsule before launch.
Alex
I remember when I was working with the space program, I was asked to be part of a collaboration where I was one of three scientists asked to launch three million dollars into space. We were each given instructions to prepare a capsule that would safely launch one million dollars into space (there would be no need to worry aobut safe re-entry we were told).
Well, we each came up with compatible capsules, and were appropriately paid for our work. Then, to test the results we were given a million dollars in twenties and hundreds to put into the respective capsules.
Launch day came, and everything went well, including the re-entry, where everything burned up.
I was happy I had done a good job.
The other two guys were looking a little sheepish, though. And I asked them what was going on. The first looked at me and finally said that he felt a little guilty because he had kept $100,000 back to fund an observatory he and his students were building. Therefore, only $900,000 had gone up. The second tried to avoid the conversation, but then admitted he had kept out $200,000 because he had a new project going and his NSF grant had run out.
In short, their two million was at least $300 k short.
So, don't believe all this stuff you read.
I, of course was an honest scientist just trying to do what was right. If you don't believe me, you can check my bank records. I had deposited the whole amount in my checking account, and then immediately written a personal check, which I placed in the capsule before launch.
Alex
Funding Member
