Probably not because ISS tenants have shown to be taller upon returning to earth*

Posted by timmer on April 11, 2026, 10:59:29, in reply to "Do the Artemis astronauts now pat the top of the heads of other astronauts?"

Previous Message “You were on the ISS? How cute. 250 miles? That’s really high. I bet you were really, really brave” (for rent)

Front porch, front porch? Front porch! Front porch front porch*

Posted by shua on April 11, 2026, 10:22:18, in reply to "are they out of the capsule yet?*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

No. Navy forgot to pack a can opener. *

Posted by doubledown on April 11, 2026, 9:05:44, in reply to "are they out of the capsule yet?*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

like the Challenger, when Christa McAuliffe asked

Posted by bbonb on April 11, 2026, 8:01:26, in reply to "I miss the elegance of the Space Shuttle.*"

Hell yes. I wish we had a NASA budget that looked like DOD’s. The amount of science…

Posted by LeatherneckIllini on April 11, 2026, 9:42:38, in reply to "Money well spent. That was dope*"

and overall human imagination and good will… Sigh… Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

As long as the astronauts are happy*

Posted by Stu on April 10, 2026, 20:05:00, in reply to "Money well spent. That was dope*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. Chicken Little poster child

pretty cool to do something we did 55 years ago: next up: recreate the horseless carriage*

Posted by bbonb on April 10, 2026, 19:37:21, in reply to "Money well spent. That was dope*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

And how long will ICE detain the Canadian for?*

Posted by ATL on April 10, 2026, 19:21:22, in reply to "how long will it take them to go through customs?*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. “We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

I’m sure they sprung for Extraglobal Reentry so should be a breeze.

Posted by DocWalk20 on April 10, 2026, 19:21:10, in reply to "how long will it take them to go through customs?*"

Unless they have items to declare. Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

Hey chorizo

Posted by ATL on April 10, 2026, 19:20:37, in reply to "Hey chorizo "

“We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

What else should they talk about? What's happening now that didn't happen 50+ years ago?

Posted by doubledown on April 10, 2026, 9:36:26, in reply to "I'm pretty sick of the coverage on this"

I really don't understand the hype. Previous Message All the coverage focuses on the emotions of the astronauts. Is that what we really spent billions on, lifting their moods?

tbh, I've barely seen any coverage.

Posted by EffinIllini on April 10, 2026, 9:34:03, in reply to "I'm pretty sick of the coverage on this"

It's not hard to avoid coverage of most anything if you want to. Should look up some of the pictures taken. They're probably cool. Only saw the reentry issue as I was reading a daily email newsletter. Previous Message All the coverage focuses on the emotions of the astronauts. Is that what we really spent billions on, lifting their moods?

yeah that article gave me anxiety*

Posted by cpsteine on April 10, 2026, 10:07:07, in reply to "I wasn’t aware that the heat shield of Orion was still an issue "

Previous Message https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/science/nasa-artemis-ii-earth-return-heat-shield.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Z1A.DO6k.Rip9lTOXgFKh&smid=nytcore-ios-share The heat shield is made of a material called Avcoat, similar to what was used during the Apollo program more than 50 years ago. By design, as it absorbs the heat of re-entry, it gradually chars and burns off, preventing the heat from reaching the rest of the capsule. In the investigation of the Artemis I heat shield, engineers concluded that inside some portions of the heat shield, gases built up, and the pressure created cracks, causing chunks of Avcoat to break off suddenly instead of burning slowly and steadily. For future missions, the Avcoat formula has been modified to make it more porous to allow gases trapped inside to escape. …. That left a conundrum of what to do with Artemis II. For this mission, the heat shield, using the original formula, was already finished and attached to the Orion capsule. Replacing the shield or the entire capsule would have pushed the launch farther into the future. Instead, NASA engineers concluded that a steeper, shorter re-entry trajectory would minimize the time during which the vehicle would experience high temperatures and help keep the astronauts safe. Dan Rasky, a heat shield engineer who retired from NASA in December, shares Dr. Camarda’s objection to this decision. “Let me just give you an analogy,” he said. “If you’re driving down the highway and if there’s pieces of one of your tires that start coming off, do you just keep driving and just hope it’s OK? Or do you pull over and change your tire because you’re worried about a blowout?” Ummmm….. now I’m nervous

Yes; they altered the return trajectory to reduce the impact on the heat shield*

Posted by Stu on April 10, 2026, 9:29:28, in reply to "I wasn’t aware that the heat shield of Orion was still an issue "

Previous Message https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/science/nasa-artemis-ii-earth-return-heat-shield.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Z1A.DO6k.Rip9lTOXgFKh&smid=nytcore-ios-share The heat shield is made of a material called Avcoat, similar to what was used during the Apollo program more than 50 years ago. By design, as it absorbs the heat of re-entry, it gradually chars and burns off, preventing the heat from reaching the rest of the capsule. In the investigation of the Artemis I heat shield, engineers concluded that inside some portions of the heat shield, gases built up, and the pressure created cracks, causing chunks of Avcoat to break off suddenly instead of burning slowly and steadily. For future missions, the Avcoat formula has been modified to make it more porous to allow gases trapped inside to escape. …. That left a conundrum of what to do with Artemis II. For this mission, the heat shield, using the original formula, was already finished and attached to the Orion capsule. Replacing the shield or the entire capsule would have pushed the launch farther into the future. Instead, NASA engineers concluded that a steeper, shorter re-entry trajectory would minimize the time during which the vehicle would experience high temperatures and help keep the astronauts safe. Dan Rasky, a heat shield engineer who retired from NASA in December, shares Dr. Camarda’s objection to this decision. “Let me just give you an analogy,” he said. “If you’re driving down the highway and if there’s pieces of one of your tires that start coming off, do you just keep driving and just hope it’s OK? Or do you pull over and change your tire because you’re worried about a blowout?” Ummmm….. now I’m nervous Chicken Little poster child

Thanks for the link.

Posted by EffinIllini on April 10, 2026, 9:27:27, in reply to "I wasn’t aware that the heat shield of Orion was still an issue "

Heard about this, but hadn't read any detail. This is a bit concerning: His hunch is that there is a 95 percent chance that the astronauts will return safely. But that would mean a 1-in-20 odds of a disaster. However, the other consultant engineer seemed convinced that reentry should be safe. Previous Message https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/09/science/nasa-artemis-ii-earth-return-heat-shield.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Z1A.DO6k.Rip9lTOXgFKh&smid=nytcore-ios-share The heat shield is made of a material called Avcoat, similar to what was used during the Apollo program more than 50 years ago. By design, as it absorbs the heat of re-entry, it gradually chars and burns off, preventing the heat from reaching the rest of the capsule. In the investigation of the Artemis I heat shield, engineers concluded that inside some portions of the heat shield, gases built up, and the pressure created cracks, causing chunks of Avcoat to break off suddenly instead of burning slowly and steadily. For future missions, the Avcoat formula has been modified to make it more porous to allow gases trapped inside to escape. …. That left a conundrum of what to do with Artemis II. For this mission, the heat shield, using the original formula, was already finished and attached to the Orion capsule. Replacing the shield or the entire capsule would have pushed the launch farther into the future. Instead, NASA engineers concluded that a steeper, shorter re-entry trajectory would minimize the time during which the vehicle would experience high temperatures and help keep the astronauts safe. Dan Rasky, a heat shield engineer who retired from NASA in December, shares Dr. Camarda’s objection to this decision. “Let me just give you an analogy,” he said. “If you’re driving down the highway and if there’s pieces of one of your tires that start coming off, do you just keep driving and just hope it’s OK? Or do you pull over and change your tire because you’re worried about a blowout?” Ummmm….. now I’m nervous

There is no dark side of the moon really

Posted by GrandmotherPearlsJam on April 6, 2026, 18:17:40, in reply to "If it’s the dark side of the moon, how do they even see it to know it’s there?*"

The intro to Money is unmistakable. *

Posted by doubledown on April 6, 2026, 17:51:49, in reply to "If it’s the dark side of the moon, how do they even see it to know it’s there?*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

Michael Collins and other CM pilots have a surviving record

Posted by Potomac on April 6, 2026, 12:58:38, in reply to "About to break the Apollo record"

Just broke it. These people are as far away as anybody has ever been from Earth.*

Posted by ATL on April 6, 2026, 12:58:28, in reply to "About to break the Apollo record"

Previous Message https://www.youtube.com/live/j0vI3fVJSgE?si=NSGeFE1o5aixfmtF “We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

NDT answers this question

Posted by TarheelIllini on April 4, 2026, 7:40:20, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Obliterate Moon Men’s nuclear capability.

Posted by SurfTheBoneyard on April 3, 2026, 6:34:14, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Or secure the world’s supply of green cheese. Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. Sky Marshal of the Luftwaffle “Surf is just a national treasure.” — Jackie

Visiting some basketball recruits*

Posted by IlliniRunner on April 2, 2026, 14:03:57, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

If man's reach does not exceed his grasp, then what separates us from the common ape?*

Posted by Sammich on April 2, 2026, 13:46:27, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. I want to break it up I want to smash it up I want to #### it up I want to watch it come down

To find a cute little rock alien friend*

Posted by ATL on April 2, 2026, 12:49:04, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. “We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Jinx put Max in space. Jinx and Max: Friends Forever!*

Posted by shua on April 2, 2026, 12:44:58, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

Ultimate goal I hope is to be able to mine 16 Psyche as much as we can

Posted by timmer on April 2, 2026, 12:17:39, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Or cure Cancer Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. (for rent)

to go where no man has gone before 1968 *

Posted by ijustkrushalot on April 2, 2026, 11:04:45, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

To help Coop/Murph transmit quantum data through the black hole*

Posted by UofIL6 on April 2, 2026, 10:58:56, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

To test and refine the tech to allow us to establish a moon base

Posted by DT on April 2, 2026, 10:08:29, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

A moon base will allow us to test the tech to build a base on Mars. A base on Mars is a colossal waste of time and money even if we actually managed to do it, which I’d bet against happening in the next 30 years. Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

TO STEAL THE MOON!!!*

Posted by shua on April 2, 2026, 9:48:07, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

To re-open the Straight of Hormuz.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini on April 2, 2026, 9:29:16, in reply to "I haven’t seen it reported, but what is the objective of this mission*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

We are spending hundreds of billions to develop AI and robots to take all our jobs

Posted by DT on April 2, 2026, 11:06:42, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

But we are also spending billions to send human astronauts into space. If there is a single job where the economic and practical imperatives are the most overwhelmingly in favor of robots, it is astronaut. Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

Let's focus on SPACE, DT! The United States of SPACE! Cause I ain't stoppin' at the moon!

Posted by Carl Spackler on April 2, 2026, 9:27:58, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

Namely, the moon. Write this down... M-A-R-S MARS BITCHES! That's where we are going. Mars. RED ROCKS! Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

Space, DT. It's the final frontier. *

Posted by VIV on April 2, 2026, 9:10:43, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. "the alchemy of the tartar sauce and cheese with the fish combined with the buttery steamed bun is so good." - Sounder re: a Filet O Fish

*I don’t believe you .gif here* *

Posted by voiceofreason on April 2, 2026, 8:53:41, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

It seemed like a small unifying moment for the world when those moments are sorely lacking

Posted by OrangeSox on April 2, 2026, 8:39:51, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

You could say instead “I don’t know about the benefits to humanity that space flight has created

Posted by meanjeans on April 2, 2026, 8:33:43, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

and I need to do some research” “Zero benefit” is completely factually incorrect Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

it's like $100 per taxpayer*

Posted by John Coctostan on April 2, 2026, 8:29:33, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

OTOH, they bring long term brain damage to the astronauts due to cosmic ray tracking

Posted by Stu on April 2, 2026, 8:21:45, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

I thought that, then toured Kennedy and saw the benefits gained from the space shuttle (see inside!)

Posted by ibdoc on April 2, 2026, 8:06:21, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

Space shuttle missions have catalyzed numerous technological breakthroughs that have been adapted for use on Earth. These "spinoffs" span medical, industrial, and consumer sectors, often stemming from the extreme engineering requirements of the Space Transportation System (STS). Medical & Health Advancements Artificial Heart Pump: Technology from the Space Shuttle's fuel pumps led to the development of a miniaturized ventricular assist device (VAD) by NASA and Dr. Michael DeBakey, serving as a bridge for patients awaiting heart transplants. Infrared Ear Thermometers: Originally designed to measure the temperature of stars and planets, this infrared sensor technology was adapted into the handheld ear thermometers used in hospitals and homes today. Cancer Treatment (LEDs): Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) first used for plant-growth experiments on the shuttle are now used in photodynamic therapy to treat brain tumors in children and other cancerous cells. Prosthetic Materials: The foam insulation used to protect the shuttle's external tank was adapted as a lightweight, durable replacement for plaster in creating master molds for artificial limbs. Safety & Industrial Tools Rescue "Jaws of Life": A handheld rescue tool used by firefighters to extract accident victims from wreckage uses a miniature version of the explosive charges that separate the shuttle from its boosters. Landmine Removal: Leftover shuttle rocket fuel is used in a flare device that safely burns through the casing of buried landmines, destroying the explosives without a dangerous detonation. Fire-Resistant Materials: Heat-shielding materials from the shuttle's thermal protection system are used in NASCAR racing cars and firefighter suits to protect against extreme temperatures. Precision Welding: The Variable Polarity Plasma Arc welding technique, developed to join large sections of the shuttle's external tank, is now used by companies like Whirlpool to manufacture household appliances. Computing & Engineering Digital Fly-By-Wire: The shuttle's complex digital flight control system—which handled everything from launch to landing—paved the way for modern aircraft controls and automotive features like electronic stability control. Seismic Shock Absorbers: Large fluidic dampers designed to manage the fuel and electrical lines during shuttle launches are now used to protect high-rise buildings and bridges from earthquake damage. Joystick Controllers: High-precision joysticks used in computer gaming and flight simulators were modeled after the controls used by astronauts to practice shuttle landings. Product Labeling: The 2D data-matrix symbols developed to track the thousands of individual heat-shield tiles on the shuttle are now a standard for marking electronic parts and pharmaceuticals Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

Nah, I wish we'd spend more*

Posted by illini21 on April 2, 2026, 7:47:31, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

Why do you hate Tang?*

Posted by ATL on April 2, 2026, 7:37:40, in reply to "Manned space flight is cool and an incredible technological achievement "

Previous Message It’s also a gigantic waste of money. Moon base, Mars mission, space station—these bring absolutely zero benefit to humanity for staggering piles of money. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. “We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Artemis Poo

Posted by bbonb on April 2, 2026, 7:24:39, in reply to "Two instances of outlook?"

I’ll take ‘Places Smush won’t go’ for $500, Alex*

Posted by TarheelIllini on April 2, 2026, 9:09:37, in reply to "huge, if true "

Previous Message CosmoQuest ‪@cosmoquest.org‬ There are now 10 toilets in Space International Space Station: 4 Crew Dragon Docked at ISS: 1 Soyuz Docked at ISS: 1 Tiangong Space Station: 2 Shenzhou Docked at TSS: 1 Artemis II on way around Moon: 1 This will be the first time a toilet has left low earth orbit! Recrudescence

Low flow?*

Posted by ATL on April 1, 2026, 19:58:06, in reply to "huge, if true "

Previous Message CosmoQuest ‪@cosmoquest.org‬ There are now 10 toilets in Space International Space Station: 4 Crew Dragon Docked at ISS: 1 Soyuz Docked at ISS: 1 Tiangong Space Station: 2 Shenzhou Docked at TSS: 1 Artemis II on way around Moon: 1 This will be the first time a toilet has left low earth orbit! “We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

are they at the moon yet? Otherwise what is there to say?*

Posted by Potomac on April 1, 2026, 18:35:06, in reply to "Meh"

Previous Message Trump will eff up this feeling tonight Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

Wait until they tell him one of the astronauts is Canadian *

Posted by shua on April 1, 2026, 18:03:58, in reply to "Meh"

Previous Message Trump will eff up this feeling tonight Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

there's an argument that the space shuttle was a mistake

Posted by ijustkrushalot on April 2, 2026, 9:29:44, in reply to "It’s crazy that in 20 minutes they’ve already passed the farthest distance…"

haha the CNN guy just called it a perfect symphony of space*

Posted by assassin on April 1, 2026, 17:45:44, in reply to "That was awesome*"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

CBS missed the liftoff because they kept the view on the pad for too long

Posted by RVA on April 1, 2026, 17:43:46, in reply to "Camera views have been trash for this*"

I went to a ticker tape parade in Chicago for John Glenn

Posted by Potomac on April 1, 2026, 18:35:41, in reply to "I used to watch the Mercury launches on a little black an white"

I watched the challenger blow up in 3rd grade and then they told us to go back to class

Posted by ATL on April 1, 2026, 18:07:51, in reply to "I used to watch the Mercury launches on a little black an white"

and learn. Previous Message Takes me back M Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. “We are old and tired and just want to be taken care of.” - Republican voter, Dec. 2024.

Good time to rep the O&B.

Posted by osklister on April 1, 2026, 17:41:44, in reply to "Mike Hopkins on the CBS News stream*"

CGI has really benefited from AI. It all looks so real now*

Posted by bbonb on April 1, 2026, 10:57:53, in reply to "FYI for anyone else like me who is captivated with this stuff. CNN actually has had some great"

Previous Message articles on Artemis stuff, it also the new space station vs lunar station machinations that are going on right now. Their coverage on all things space has been pretty good. Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog.

If it does, guess whose fault it will be*

Posted by Stu on April 1, 2026, 10:43:18, in reply to "Please don't blow up. *"

Previous Message Previous Message Refueling is ongoing. https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Live Video Here https://www.youtube.com/live/m3kR2KK8TEs?si=j5ukyRKob3FC3miV Full launch coverage begins at 12:50 p.m. on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Updates during the launch countdown and throughout the mission will be posted here on the Artemis blog. Chicken Little poster child