Fore-get space exploration
Print storyLet's play extreme golf!
Posted in Bootnotes, 1st March 2006 16:06 GMT
Join our expert panel in discussing application security
Never let it be said that the space programme is a waste of time and money.
A Russian cosmonaut headed for the International Space Station plans to hit a golf ball into the Earth's orbit while on spacewalk, it has been announced.
The record-breaking drive is raising eyebrows all round, with some experts warning of a "catastrophic" mishap. The ball will stay in orbit for three to four years, adding to the station's space debris threat.
Worried NASA man JC Liou told New Scientist an impact from a golf ball travelling at 10km per second would be the equivalent of a six and a half tonne truck at 100km per hour - a pretty big hit by any standards.
NASA had previously put the chances of losing the $100bn station to a hull-penetrating smash in any given year at one in 200.
However, the tools for the job are already on board: a gold-plated scandium alloy six iron, and several golf balls.
Predictably, a publicity-hungry golf gear company - who shall remain nameless - is behind the caper. If NASA approves the folly, it will go ahead in July. ®
Can Outsiders Enhance Exchange?
The future of SaaS and IT infrastructure management
Solving on-premise email challenges with on-demand services
The business case for application security
Reducing messaging and web security costs with managed services
Win a Samsung C6625!
Is your cameraphone an oxymoron?
Reg Mobile and Wireless newsletter is go! go! go!
Sign up, sign up for The Register IT security newsletter