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Southeastern Space Supporter

Newsletter of HAL5 – the Huntsville Alabama L5 Society chapter of the National Space Society 3 Volume 8, Number 5 — September–October 1999 S ______The 30th Anniversary Celebration FIRST WORD merger with IBS Interactive, “One Small Step For one of East Coast's foremost Internet Service Providers. Man — One Giant This is the second such merger Leap for Mankind” that IBS has undertaken in (by Ron Lajoie, SSS Editor) Northern Alabama. In February, IBS successfully In our last issue, we covered integrated Renaissance Inter- the NSS events that occured net Services into their during the weekend of July 20. organization.” In this issue, we focus on the non-NSS events, all pertaining Well, fortunately for us, there to the 30th anniversary of the were no changes to the HAL5 first landing of humans on Web site address, nor to our another world, the Moon. storage allocation. That may soon change. On October 20, Celebration events were held I received this email message: both at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and at the U.S. “By the time you receive this Space and Rocket Center. email, you may have already HAL5 members were present heard the news that HiWAAY at both events, and even Information Services has received “Press” passes for the acquired Renaissance Internet Space and Rocket Center Services and ADViCOM in a events. Albeit a bit late, these purchase from IBS Interactive. detailed reports on both We want to assure you that daytime and nighttime events this announcement brings with can be found in no other it a strong commitment to the publication. So enjoy! ¶ future of Internet services in our area. ... There will be no Actors reenact the famous first landing on the Moon. immediate changes of service or billing....” HAL5 Program Night HAL5 Web Site to Change! Wednesday, November 17, 1999 (by Ron Lajoie, HAL5 Web site manager) That sound okay until just a few days 7 to 8:30 p.m. (with social afterwards) later, I received a followup message: Huntsville Public Library Auditorium The famous story of the Trojan horse led to the saying “Beware of Greeks bearing “This weekend we will create a copy of “The Amazing Sights of the gifts.” Well, I have a new saying: all your current user accounts, including Chandra X-Ray Telescope” “Beware email messages from your your web sites, on the HiWAAY user server. ... We will try to use the same Guest speaker will be Ed Clark, retired Internet provider starting with “Good username you have at ADViCOM, but if NASA Marshall Program Manager. News!” On March 12, I received a message from my Internet provider that there is a conflict we will have to try All HAL5 and NSS members are stated: another name....” encouraged to attend, and to bring interested friends and co-workers. “Good News! Effective April 1, 1999, Needless to say, I am very concerned. Open to the public. Free admission. ADViCOM is proud to announce a Stay tuned for updates. ¶

September–October 1999 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER PROJECT HALO NEWS NSS CHAPTER NEWS Huntsville Alabama L5 Society

President — Greg Allison HALO SL-2 Tank Being Tested Superluminal Gravitational and Day: 544-4440, Eve: 859-5538 (by Ronnie Lajoie, HALO team member) Microwave Effects Vice-President — Gladys Young (NSS Atlanta News Release, Oct. 26, 1999) Day: 852-0561, Eve: 852-0561 In September, the HALO Sky Launch 2 Treasurer — Ronnie Lajoie (SL-2) rocket oxidizer tank was taken NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Day: 971-3055, Eve: 721-1083 out of its storage crate for the first time scientists this month released Secretary — Wade Dorland since it was packed in June of last year. information essential to the development Day: 551-0008, Eve: 534-2566 It was finally going to be tested to see if of faster than light communications. Membership — Philomena Grodzka it could be reused for a second launch During the recent total solar eclipse of Day: 536-8638, Eve: 536-8638 attempt. August 11, 1999 that crossed large parts Communications — Ellen Cozelos of Europe and Asia Minor, Dr. David Day: 726-6387, Eve: 883-4873 As the 10-foot long crate was too big to Noever and Ron Koczor decided to ------fit in Gene Young’s truck, I loaned him check some unexpected results a 4-foot long box used for storing my Southeastern Space Supporter generated by the French Nobel laureate tiny artificial Christmas tree parts. That Maurice Allais (1988, economics) Volume 8, Number 5 was too short, so we duct taped another during a similar eclipse in 1954. The September / October 1999 small box over the top of the oxidizer unexpected displacements of a Foucault The Southeastern Space Supporter is a tank. Dorky, yes, but safe for travel. pendulum during the totality of the bimonthly publication of the Huntsville eclipse can best be explained as a faster- Alabama L5 Society (HAL5), a not-for- Non-Destructive Testing at UAH than-light transmission of the effects of profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the gravity. The accelerates toward a goal of seeing everyday people living in Gene then took the tank to Professor point in front of the visible , where thriving communities beyond the Earth. Gary Workman at the University of the Sun will appear to be in 8.3 minutes. Any opinions expressed in this newsletter Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). With the Thus, the acceleration now is toward the are those of the authors or of the Editor, help of several graduate engineering true, instantaneous direction of the Sun and, unless expressly so stated, are not students, Professor Workman was to now, and is not parallel to the direction necessarily those of HAL5 or the NSS. examine the composite outer skin of the arriving solar photons now. Visit the HAL5 Web Page on Internet via: covering our thin-shelled aluminum oxidizer tank. The examination would Faster Than Light Transmission http://advicom.net/~hal5/ involve taking X-Ray photographs of the ------composite skin and seeing if fractures In a related development, PBS-TV’s HAL5 encourages its members to speak out had been created due to the impact of Nova aired the week of 10/11/99 a on space-related issues, and welcome the oxidizer tank with the barge deck. segment entitled “Time Travel”. submissions of both fact and opinion Only after getting an OK from Professor German scientists lead by Guenter articles of interest to HAL5 members. Workman could we proceed with a test Nimtz at the University at Cologne were Submit letters or articles to: Ronnie Lajoie to see if it could hold pressurized water. shown transmitting a Mozart symphony 162 Kirby Lane, Madison, AL 35757 at 4.7 times the speed of light, using Day phone/message: 256-971-3055 I telephoned Professor workman today, what appeared to be an upscaled but he had already gone home for the Night/Weekend phone: 256-721-1083 microwave tunnel diode. These day. I will try again and hopefully we breakthroughs are the “proof of concept” FAX number: 256-971-3333 will have a status on our oxidizer tank that scientists and technologists need to Electronic mail address: [email protected] in the next issue of the Southeastern proceed with the practical development Deadline for submittal is the last day of the Space Supporter. ¶ of faster-than-light communications, a following months: February, April, June, highly desirable, if not necessary, means August, October, and December. of communicating with the far-flung space colonies that the National Space Preferred format for plain text is ASCII (text with graphics is MS Word or Society envisions. Development and WordPerfect) either sent by E-mail or on a Quote of the Month promotion of these concepts are PC diskette. Also acceptable are letters and projects of the Far Out Physics Committee of the Atlanta Chapter of articles sent by mail or faxed; however, the “If we can put a man on the more retyping required, the less likely the can’t the NSS, issuers of this news release. acceptance. HAL5 is not responsible for moon, why we put a man on the moon?!” receipt of mailed submissions; none will be HAL5 would like to thank Bill returned unless sent with a SASE. Hand- Gardiner for sending us this news. ¶ delivered diskettes will be hand-returned. — NSS member, July 1999 No compensation is paid for submissions. September–October 1999 2 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER

Apollo 11 30th Anniversary near the replica. I had Several people then escorted me to the brought the cookies and cans of soda left lunar lander replica where the main Sunday Evening Celebration over from the Summit, with the intent of event would take place. So much for (by Ronnie Lajoie, NSS reporter) providing free food and drink to the having time to find any HAL5 members. HAL5 members. By the time I arrived, As part of research for her article on the the parking lot was so full, I was Waiting for Gadoh new Saturn V replica at the U.S. Space redirected to the old Chrysler parking and Rocket Center (see the May/June lot — on the opposite side of the Some HAL5 members will remember issue), Ellen Lucas contacted USSRC freeway! A shuttle bus would take me to the lunar lander crater area as the site of Media Relations Director Ed Davis. the Center, but obviously the food and our first HALO event, a balloon launch During their conversation, Mr. Davis drinks had to remain alone in my car. to the edge of space. The crater area is kindly offered to grant press passes to several hundred feet across and is two HAL5 members to represent the surrounded by a ring of metal on thin National Space Society during the posts to serve as a fence. A lunar upcoming Apollo 11 30th Anniversary module replica stands in the middle of festivities. Ellen Lucas and I made the circle, surrounded by artificial plans to represent NSS and HAL5 at the craters. All was quiet in the circle. Sunday evening celebration event. A huge movie screen had been erected Due to the Southeast Space Summit (see on the southeast side of the crater area, the July/August issue), our thoughts and large speakers on tall posts were were mostly on our own activities, and scattered about the area. A small grand we did not realize the significance of stand had been erected on the southwest being granted press passes until after side of the crater area, to serve as the our Summit was over. sitting area and podium for the speakers. All seats were unoccupied. After several hours of reloading and unloading my car, I called Ellen Lucas Behind the grand stand loomed the new to coordinate our meeting at the Space full-size replica of the mighty Saturn V and Rocket Center. When she launch vehicle, standing proud awash in reexamined the letter from Ed Davis, the the bright beams of many spot lights. I itinerary revealed that we were invited took a few photographs, once again to more than just the Sunday evening Apollo 12 Astronaut Dick Gordon silently cursing my dead light meter in event. We could have also attended the my old 35mm camera. Even amongst ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Saturn all those lights, I needed to use a fairly V replica as well as a special Apollo slow shuttle speed, and really could have astronaut press conference. I brought along my camera bag and my used my tripod to keep my camera notebook. I had to leave a clipboard steady. It was, of course, back in my car Much later, upon reflection, I realized I with HAL5 membership forms, NSS — on the other side of the freeway! would have loved to ask brochures, and a few Ad Astra what he thought about the effectiveness magazines in the car. I had hoped to On the ground, in front and to the left of of the National Space Society. I would find a few HAL5 members who would the grand stand, several rows of chairs have also liked to have asked the other help spread them out among the had been placed for the guests of the Apollo if they were members. hundreds of attendees. As it turned out, astronauts. All were empty. The “Press Oh well. Life is full of such missed I never did see any member before the Area” was to the left of the chairs and opportunities. events began, and only met up with extended about 50 feet around the circle, Mark and Judy Wells after the events where a wooden beam kept the non- Arrival were over. Press attendees from entering. The hedge-lined walkway leading down to Unfortunately, Ellen told me that she Being a member of the “Press”, I was the crater area provided the back wall was not feeling well and could not make redirected from the main entrance to the for the Guest Area and Press Area, thus the Sunday night event. Given that it side entrance where I would pick up my no additional barrier was required. was past 7:00 PM, there was no time to Press pass. They also kindly gave me recruit another “reporter”; I headed out coupons good for a free hot dog and 2 The Press Area was sparsely populated for the Space and Rocket Center alone. beverages. (I only needed one drink when I arrived, probably much to the after the show, so I later gave the others dismay of the Space and Rocket Center. Earlier in the day, I had made plans to to Mark and Judy Wells.) I think only two of the four local TV meet the rest of the HAL5 contingent

3 September–October 1999 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER networks were present, and certainly no the grand stand and the lunar module — any quotes, nor any photographs of the one from a national network. I did not much to my surprise. Then the lights astronauts. spot anyone from the Huntsville Times, went out, except for a spot light on the though someone was probably there. grand stand. Apollo 12 astronaut Richard (Dick) The Press Area was obviously a bit Gordon was up next, obviously saving bigger than was going to be needed. A young lady started off the events with Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin for a chorus of “God Bless America”. Then last. Like Cunningham, Gordon also I had naively hoped for a round of a memorial video was shown to honor flew a Gemini mission. As for the other introductions when I arrived, but none the late Apollo 12 astronaut Pete astronauts, no mention was made of his were forthcoming, and none of the Conrad, who also flew a Gemini mission activities after he left NASA. Gordon reporters present chatted with each and helped design the lunar module. No told the crowd that after lightning hit other. I guess there is not much of a mention was made of his commercial his Apollo launch vehicle twice during fellowship among the media guild here. adventures with DC-X, nor any other ascent, he looked over to his I struck up a conversation with someone activities after he left NASA. A minute astronaut and said “Okay Al, it’s all standing near me, only to find out after of silence was then requested. yours!”. He said that lightning strikes 10 minutes that she was a Center worker “never happened in simulations.” He and not a reporter. congratulated the people of NASA Marshall on making a great launch I did speak briefly with Media Relations vehicle. Director Ed Davis, who gave me his business card and thank me for coming. Sputnik launched while Apollo 14 I asked him if the tiny flag I had spotted astronaut Ed Mitchell was at sea on top of the Saturn V was a memorial onboard an aircraft carrier. After that, to the late Elee Stovall, the construction he decided to become an astronaut. He worker who fell and later died from his said he was sad to be the only surviving injuries. He told me he did not think so, member of the Apollo 14 mission, as because Stovall’s fellow construction had died earlier this year. workers had written his name inside the He fondly recalled a meeting with Saturn V nose cone. Mr. Davis also Wernher von Braun and Arthur C. kindly told me to stay to the left of a Clarke. Ed Mitchell is also known for imaginary line five feet from the guests. the ESP experiments he performed on the way to the Moon. The Events Begin!

Finally, the honored astronauts and their guests began to show and were seated. From the Press Area, the grand stand was a bit too close and too tall, thus the camera angle was going to be steep. Apollo 14 Astronaut Since the grand stand was open, it was pitch black behind the astronauts, and the spot lights made them glow like the Just as Apollo 7 astronaut Walter Saturn V replica behind them (but not at Cunningham was getting up to speak, the same camera angle — too bad). after his introductory video spot, my camera ran out of film! Gah! I quickly They were not close enough that I did changed rolls but only caught half of not need my zoom lens however, and him on the first photograph. All the once again I regretted not having my while, he was making this great speech, tripod to keep the camera steady. I used and I was struggling to write it down in my normal lens instead and hoped for the dark. Ellen, I really missed you out the best. As you can see from the grainy there! I only caught two of his “three scanned photographs in this article, I am conditions” for meeting the definition of not likely to be hired by the New York “adventure”. One was to do something Times anytime soon! that had never been done before, and another was that there was a real risk of Apollo 16 Astronaut I stood just to the left of my imaginary dying. Unfortunately, the Monday line and had a great clear view of both Huntsville Times article did not have

September–October 1999 4 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER Apollo 16 astronaut Charles Duke was told the audience that the new Saturn V had not forced him to only speak about up next. Like Buzz Aldrin, Duke replica will focus attention on Huntsville his Apollo years. Oh well. received a Masters degree in and the space transportation work being astronautics from the Massachusetts performed at NASA Marshall. On the positive side, Aldrin spoke about Institute of Technology. He joined the future rather than just the past. He NASA in 1966, became a LEM expert, said that “spaceflight is a spiritual and was “capcom” for the Apollo 11 quest” and said that we need “a mission (the guy on the receiving end of Kennedy-like commitment” for “Houston, the Eagle has landed”). He profitable ventures in space. (He journeyed to the Moon with certainly could have jump-started that and set a new record for stay there. He commitment by encouraging people to eventually went back to the work for the join the National Space Society. U.S. Air Force. He remarked that he Another lost opportunity.) It is rare for saw a “full Earth, with almost no any astronaut, however, especially at a clouds” on the way to the Moon. NASA event, to speak about and commercial ventures, rather than government-funded missions. For that, I thank you, Buzz.

First Moon Landing Reenactment

The lights once again went out, this time including those on the Saturn V replica. The Apollo 11 reenactment then began with an announcement starting with those famous Carnival words “Ladies and Gentlemen!”

Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Unfortunately, the introductory words that followed included the instruction that no flash photography would be As expected, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz allowed, as it would spoil the effects of Aldrin was the final speaker of the the reenactment. Now, I really did night. While at M.I.T., Aldrin did his regret not having my tripod. How was I Ph.D. thesis on orbital rendezvous. supposed to take pictures in the dark — Clearly these Apollo astronauts from the 3 Astronaut and with a dead light meter?? I put my second batch of “astronaut school” were shutter speed on the lowest setting I preparing themselves long before they dared and hoped for the best. joined NASA for careers in space. And astronaut, and Huntsville it is these astronauts, rather than the test resident, Owen Garriott, received a Obviously, in the complete dark, there pilots from the Mercury program, that warm welcome from the crowd. He and was no means for taking notes. I had have the biggest regrets about the circled the Earth 850 times not thought to bring along my tape Apollo program ending so soon after it aboard Skylab, doubling the space recorder. I wish I had the memory to had begun. endurance record at that time. Garriott recall the full sequence of events, but too also flew aboard the Space Shuttle on many things have happened in my life As I expected, to my regret, there was STS-9, the first Spacelab mission. He in the last three months. I believe that no mention of his involvement with the there was an introductory video. National Space Society in his opening video, nor did he mention it Eventually, though, the announcer got to “The regret on our side is, they during his speech — a shame since the launch of the mighty Saturn V; and, used to say years ago, ‘we are he was Chairman of the NSS Board this time, the real one (on its side) was reading about you in science of Directors for many years. He lit up — for real! Well, it was just an class.’ Now they say, ‘we are certainly would have inspired some effect, but it was pretty darn realistic for reading about you in history of the people in the audience to seek “just” a bunch of fireworks stuffed into class.’” us out had he mentioned it. He did the huge F-1 engine nozzles of the mention his liquid flyback booster Saturn V first stage. It certainly was — , July 1999 project as well as his ShareSpace nice to see the Saturn V “ignite” for the venture though, so clearly NASA

5 September–October 1999 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER

Saturn V first stage “ignites” for first time since 1974. first time in 25 years! Of course, had An actor portraying astronaut Neil the engines ignited for real, we all Armstrong in his moon suit then would have been toast! opened the hatch to the LEM. I did not know it was a working replica! On the big screen, the video showed the I have no idea when those actors Saturn V lifting off. After the first stage entered the LEM replica, because it separated from the second stage, was in full view for the past two fireworks once again erupted, this time hours. If they were really in there from the J-2 engine nozzles on the that long, they must have felt like Saturn V second stage. And as the they were actually going to the rocket approached Earth orbit, the single Moon! J-2 engine nozzle on the third stage ignited with fireworks. “Armstrong” climbed down the ladder and stood on the big round The video then took us to the Moon, to footpad. Then after saying “I’m the point where the Lunar Excursion stepping off the LEM now,” stepped “Neil Armstrong” emerges from the LEM. Module (LEM) was separated from the onto the “lunar surface” into Apollo Command/Service Module and history, then uttered those famous the ladder of the LEM, and no doubt close to the surface of the Moon. words: “That’s one small step for [a] worried about his ultimate movie critic man, one giant leap for mankind.” — the real Buzz Aldrin — watching Then the LEM replica in the crater was Once again the crowd burst into from the grand stand. When he got to the center of attention, for out of its applause. the bottom rung, he jumped off ... many thruster nozzles erupted bursts of An actor portraying astronaut Buzz backwards ... in a moon suit! Certainly fireworks, very realistically portraying Aldrin then followed, climbing down not the easiest acrobatic feat. When he attitude control maneuvers. landed, he stumbled, and my Definitely cool! heart stopped, for an image of Buzz Aldrin jumping down The main engine of the LEM from the grand stand to then “ignited” with fireworks throttle the actor popped into and smoke as it touched my head. Fortunately, the down on the lunar surface. actor recovered and did not In the eerie glow of just the fall, and Buzz stayed seated. LEM lights, the LEM really did look like it had just The actor astronauts then landed on the surface of the deployed the U.S. flag and Moon. Then over the saluted. The Saturn V replica speakers came those famous then lit up once more, and words: “Houston, Tranquillity Neil’s first words echoed out Base here. The Eagle has over the audience. ¶ landed.” The crowd burst into applause. Attitude control thrusters “fire” on the LEM replica.

September–October 1999 6 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER HAL5 CALENDAR OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS October 1999 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Triton Columbus Columbus HAL5 & Project National discovered, Day Day HALO Meeting Boss Day 1846 (observed) Noon at Ponds 17 }1 18 19 20 21 22 23 HAL5 & Project HALO Meeting Noon at Ponds 24 / 25 26 27 28 29 30 United Nations HAL5 & Project Con†Stellation Con†Stellation Day HALO Meeting 5 pm - 11 pm 9 am - 11 pm Noon at Ponds Airport Sheraton Airport Sheraton November 1999 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

October 31 0a 1 2 3 4 5 6 Con†Stellation Election Day HAL5 & Project 9 am - 1 pm VOTE HALO Meeting Airport Sheraton Pro-Space Noon at Ponds 7 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 HAL5 & Project HALO Meeting Noon at Ponds

14 15 16 }1 17 18 19 20 WFS Program HAL5 Program HAL5 & Project Huntsville Mayor “Xray Telescope” HALO Meeting 6 p, Steak & Ale 7 pm at Library Noon at Ponds

21 22 / 23 24 25 26 27 Thanksgiving Day

28 29 0a 30 First Flight over South Pole 1929 December 1999 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 HAL5 Program Chanukah “Space Biology” Begins 7 pm at Library

5 6 7 6 8 9 10 11 Galileo arrives HAL5 & Project Chanukah at Jupiter, HALO Meeting Ends 1995 Noon at Ponds 12 13 14 15 }1 16 17 18 HAL5 & Project HALO Meeting Noon at Ponds

7 September–October 1999 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER

Apollo 11 30th Anniversary Four poles held up a canopy covering we took of the astronaut speakers were the entire stage, and provided welcome worth reprinting in this newsletter, let NASA Marshall Celebration shade for the honored guests. alone Ad Astra magazine. (by Ronnie Lajoie, NSS reporter) Unfortunately, it also made the area very I spent the bulk of my pre-celebration As reported in the last (July/August) dark from a photography point of view, time trying to keep cool. The ice in the issue, HAL5 members and other NSS especially with the bright sun confusing cup of soda I had brought from the chapter members participating in the the cameras. None of the photographs Summit had melted 10 minutes after I Southeast Space Summit took stepped out of my car. I a break from their discussions ducked into building 4203 and to attend the NASA Apollo 11 found a refrigerator with ice 30th anniversary celebration cube trays, which fortunately on Saturday, July 17. were full. I stuffed as many as I could into my plastic cup The celebration event was and refilled the tray. held in the quad of the Wernher von Braun Office Most of our Summiteers were Complex (NASA buildings wandering around, taking 4200, 4201, 4202, and 4203), photographs of the NASA which was so named on the models of the Saturn V rocket, 25th anniversary. During that Space Shuttle, and X-33 out celebration five years ago, for display. Due to lack of NASA unveiled a bronze bust shady spots, few of us sat of Wernher von Braun (see together during the right, photo by Greg Allison) celebration. I made repeated made by resident NASA artist trips into building 4202 to Jack Hall. refill my cup with water, which many times I felt like To the right of the statue is a pouring over my head to cool plaque that contains the me off. At last, a small shady following quote from von spot on the grass became Braun (from October 1967): available and I took it. “We must continually set goals that will challenge the The NASA Marshall human spirit to the utmost.” Celebration Begins If only there was a leader alive today who would say such As for the Space and Rocket words .... Center Apollo celebration the next evening, the NASA The Quest for Shelter celebration opened with a lady singing “God Bless the USA”. It was unbelievably hot that day and most of the gathering According to the July 18 attendees were crowded Huntsville Times, NASA The Wernher von Braun bronze statue at NASA MSFC. around under the shade of the Administrator Dan Goldin small trees in the quad. and Associate Administrator Chairs had been set out in the for Space Flight Joe shady spots for NASA’s special Rothenberg had been in guests and for other visitors. Huntsville for the dedication of By the time us Summiteers had the Saturn V replica, and arrived, all the chairs were full, Rothenberg had spoken at the and most of the rest of the NASA celebration. I do not shade-covered grassy areas remember hearing Mr. were occupied. Rothenberg, but perhaps my brain was too busy trying to Near the center of the quad was keep my body from collapsing a large stage with chairs for the from heat exhaustion. Apollo astronaut speakers. The Plaque for the Wernher von Braun statue.

September–October 1999 8 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER anniversary. I do remember that NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Director Art At the intersection of the walk- Stephenson took the role of Master of ways between the four buildings, Ceremonies for the celebration event. stood a large rectangular prism He introduced the astronaut speakers in about the size of a phonebooth. turn, who gave short speeches similar to It was mysteriously wrapped in a those they would repeat the next night at silvery cover sheet. Peaking out the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. from the top was a pole on which was placed a metal The one difference was that, instead of spaceplane model. Art making reference to the Saturn V Stephenson introduced it as the replica that would be behind them new Spaceplane Fountain, which Sunday night, they pointed to the 50 to would be unveiled shortly. 100 retired NASA Marshall Apollo program workers seated in the VIP The fountain would be even- chairs, many of whom were swooning tually surrounded by concrete from the heat. plaques — a la Ming’s Chinese Theater — containing the foot- “Footprints to the Future” prints of the Apollo astronauts. Since Buzz Aldrin needed to be As Jack Hall’s Wernher von Braun bust whisked away to another city, he commemorated the 25th anniversary of was the first to place his booted the first Apollo landing on the Moon, foot into a concrete slab. Jack’s “Footprints to the Future” exhibit would commemorate the Apollo 11 30th Bill Brown was able to maneu- ver his way close enough to the stage that he reached over and snapped a photograph. His NASA employees unveil the new fountain. guess at the correct camera angle was right on and he captured a photo of Buzz Aldrin with one foot in concrete. Bill gave me a copy of the photograph to put in the newsletter back in July. So why don’t you see it on this page? Because somehow I LOST it!! Gah! Hopefully, Bill will find his negative and give me a new print — which will get published in this newsletter.

Spaceplane Fountain is Unveiled

At last, the new Spaceplane Fountain was unveiled. MSFC Associate Director Carolyn Griner and another NASA manager carefully removed the silver covering to reveal a mirrored box.

Then, after a short pause, water began to flow from the nozzles of the model spaceplane, and streamed down the mirrored box. In the hot sun, the water was very welcome. ¶

Closeup of the Spaceplane fountain. The new Spaceplane fountain in action.

9 September–October 1999 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER

Easter Island — 10,000 B.C. grass, the water parted when you walked that by flaying their arms, they could into it. Unlike tall grass, however, the keep their heads above water for a long (an “Apollo” fiction by Ronnie M. water closed back around you so tightly enough time to regrab the tree. Lajoie, first published in SSS in 1996) that you could not breathe. Most people stayed well away from the water. Still, a The people also discovered that a 7- Nnor sat on the beach, along the water’s few brave men would venture out as person-high dead tree could support two edge, staring out across the vast sea to much as waist deep and collect the men. Now, one man could help rescue the distant isle. “Sand and rocks” he shells and small fish found there, which another if the tree rolled over. Also, one mumbled. That’s all his people had supplemented the people’s diet of fruits, man could hold the other’s legs while he ever found there — “sand and rocks.” roots, and small animals. went head-first into the deep water to That’s why no one wanted to go back. collect the bigger shells and fish. But almost 40 rain seasons ago, a smart No one except Nnor, of course, and a and brave man, Iruy, survived the water The people thrived on this new bounty few of his friends. He himself had not for the first time. Legend says Iruy saw from the deep water. They reasoned been there. He himself had not seen the a large dead tree branch floating on the that if shells and fish got bigger the “sand and rocks,” except for the few water. He walked out to meet it and further away one got from the land, then samples brought back, now part of the grabbed onto it. To the amazement of the far away, very deep water must hold guarded personal collection of the Chief. the people, Iruy floated too! The branch enormous shells and fish! The people He himself had not set foot upon this allowed him to go past even neck level were determined to find out. What was distant land. deep. Iruy ducked his head under the needed was a very large tree which could hold three men. His whole body ached to go there. The isle beckoned to Journey to the Far Water him, especially at night, when its yellow sands Very large dead trees were glowed off the day’s heat. scarce on the island. The And every winter, when the few which had fallen on cold, clear, daytime sky their own were too rotted to allowed one to see much be usable. The people farther, he could just make decided to knock down one out even more distant isles. that was still standing. They appeared as small, Lacking long enough vines, low, dark blue-gray bands the strongest men the hovering just above the people could provide took dark blue waters and just turns jumping from nearby beneath the light blue sky. live trees to the dead one Sometimes, they even while other men bashed the appeared greenish in color. water for a short time and the branch base of the tree with large Most people dismissed them as low allowed him to raise it again. Iruy stones. Women and children from all clouds or “more places of sand and brought back a very large shell and told over the land stood nearby and yelled rocks.” the people that the fish were even bigger encouraging words. Finally, the tree out there. Iruy was made Hero of the came down, and the people cheered. All But not Nnor and his friends. He People. Everyone celebrated for days. the men, and some women, were needed desperately wanted to go to these places. to carry the tree to the water. If the greenish color was true, then these Bigger Trees, Bigger Fish places might have trees — and maybe As the people had hoped, the very large even people. He wanted to go. His Over the course of 10 rain seasons, dead tree did indeed support the weight friends wanted to go. But they could much progress was made using medium of three men. With the people watching think of no way how to do it. and large dead trees. The people and cheering from the shore, three brave learned that a 3-person-high dead tree men, Sug, Regor, and Dde, climbed Toes in the Water could support the full weight of a man aboard and began pushing against the on the water. Such “tree-men” found water with their hands. Slowly, the tree It was almost 40 rain seasons ago when that they could steer the trees back to the began moving away from the shore and Nnor’s people first discovered how to beach by using their hands to push towards the unknown far water. The survive the water which surrounded against the water. Some tree-men died tree-men soon saw very large fish and their land. Up until then, people had in accidents when trees rolled over and shouted their discoveries back to the feared the water. Legends had spoken threw them in the water Others learned shore. The people cheered. of those who tried — and died. Like tall

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After stick-fishing for awhile, Sug Although they were tired, they were too The End of Adventure? looked over to the yellow isle in the full of excitement to stop for rest. Lien distance and saw that it was growing and Zub climbed off the tree, but Ekim Except for Nnor of course. He was very larger. He convinced his companions to stayed to make sure the group did not young when Lien and Zub first set foot steer their tree towards it. As the tree- lose their only means of returning home. on the yellow isle. Now, almost 30 rain men moved further away from the shore, Up close, Lien and Zub found the yellow seasons later, the Heroes were old men the people saw that the tree and the men isle to be a beautiful but desolate and Renrew was dead; but Nnor was a were getting smaller and lower in the wasteland. No trees, no sounds of birds full adult with adventure still in his water. The people started to panic. or animals, just lots of sand and rocks. heart. Nnor walked over to the rotted They wandered around for a short while shell of the once mighty tree that had let Their shouts of concern reached the and collected a few samples, but with his people journey to another land. No three men, but they could not hear the sun now past its zenith, they decided way would this tree ever float again, nor clearly. They looked back in shock to to board the tree and return home before its twin further down the beach, nor the see their homeland smaller and lower in sunset. one in the forest. And no very tall dead the water. Fearing that their loved ones trees were left standing. Just live ones were suffering some awful tragedy, they On the shore, the people cheered as the — and no one had ever been able to raced to turn about their tree, but rolled tree and men grew from their ant-like knock down a large live tree. it over instead, throwing all three men size back to normal. The tree-men had into the water. Sug, Regor, and Dde all successfully journeyed to the yellow isle He looked out past the shore to the few perished that day. The people mourned and had returned safely. Celebration of tree-men fishing near the shore. No for many days, and the fear of the water this feat lasted for many days. Songs way would their trees survive the long started to return. and stories were made about the three journey across the rough far water brave men who dared to go where no without rolling over. He kicked at the Journey to the Yellow Isle one had gone before. tree shell in disgust, then regretted it when a section collapsed. His spirits Two rain seasons later, the people had Return to Yellow Isle dropped even lower then. recovered from their loss, thanks in large part to Renrew, a smart man who Convinced that the yellow isle had more Nnor returned to his place on the beach, convinced the people that the shrinking to offer than “sand and rocks”, the along the water’s edge, and again stared tree-men vision was just a trick of the people mounted several more trips to out across the vast sea to the distant isle. eye. Another very large dead tree was that faraway land. The two remaining “Sand and rocks” he mumbled. He fallen, and three more men ventured out very tall dead trees were knocked down scanned the horizon for the more distant into the far water. This time, they in preparation. There was only one greenish isles he knew were there, but returned without mishap, with a haul of mishap, when one of the trees was rolled could not see them. large fish they were able to capture with over by rough water halfway to the their sticks and hands — and with a few yellow isle. The tree-men managed to If only those greenish isles had trees and stories of some larger fish “that got climb back aboard, but were so people too, he wondered. Maybe, if away”. The tree-men all spoke of the exhausted from their ordeal that they those people were smarter, then they yellow isle which grew larger as they abandoned the trip and returned home. might know something about trees, or went further from the shore. After six visits to the yellow isle, the rocks, or vines that Nnor’s people did people became convinced that it was not, as unlikely as that seemed. Maybe, Renrew convinced the people to attempt indeed just “sand and rocks.” if they made the journey to this land, a journey to the mysterious yellow isle, they would teach his people those new which the people viewed with both The tree-men did discover some small ways and Nnor’s people could again suspicion and romance. Just after shells and fish in the water near the journey across the rough water. Or, sunrise, with the people watching from yellow isle, but found that they were maybe Nnor’s people would just have to the shore, the three bravest men on the smaller than the ones back home. They figure it out for themselves, if possible. land, Lien, Zub, and Ekim climbed onto could think of no reason to make any the floating tree and steered it towards more perilous journeys across the rough And if they wanted to. For now, the the isle. This time no one panicked as water. The used trees were beached and people seemed content on nearby the tree and men shrank to the size of the remaining one was left to rot in the fishing. “The people of Earth have all ants, although most were concerned, forest. Smaller dead trees were instead that we need right here” they told him. especially when rough water bobbed the relied upon for fishing near the shore. “Always had, always will.” Nnor got up tree. The shells and fish bounty from the and walked back home to find his nearby waters was sufficient for all the friends. He could always rely on them The sun was high in the sky when the people. to cheer him up. ¶ tree-men arrived at the yellow isle.

11 September–October 1999 SOUTHEASTERN SPACE SUPPORTER

NSS NEWS Upcoming Events of Interest to HAL5 Members

The 1999 NSS Policy Summit Fri., Oct. 29 — NASA Space Club hosts the annual “Von Braun Memorial (by Chris Pancratz, Summit Coordinator) 7:00 - 8:30 PM Dinner”, at the Von Braun Center; formal attire; large fee

An NSS Policy Summit was held the Fri., Oct. 29 to NASFA hosts the annual “Con†Stellation XVIII: Lupus” weekend of September 18 and 19 at a Sun., Oct. 31 science fiction convention, at the Airport Sheraton Hotel; $35 hotel in Arlington, Virginia, just outside fee for teens and adults, $15 for kids; questions: 256-880-8210 Washington D.C. The task group of twelve represented a cross section of the Nov. 5 or 6 — AIAA Tour of the Air France Concorde, at Huntsville NSS Board of Directors, Executive TBD time International Airport; RSVP to: Todd Honeycutt via phone at Committee, NSS Policy Committee, 256-461-2429, or email at [email protected] Chapters, and NSS Headquarters Staff. Tue., Nov. 16 — World Future Society Program on “Meet Huntsville Mayor The need for a Policy Summit grew out 6:00 - 7:30 PM Loretta Spencer”, at Steak and Ale Restaurant, 3815 the Strategic Planning session held prior University Drive; RSVP to: [email protected] to the 1999 ISDC, in which a Wed., Nov. 17 — “roadmap” for the National Space HAL5 Program on “The Amazing Sights of the Chandra X- 7:00 - 8:30 PM Society was deemed our Number One Ray Telescope” by Ed Clark, retired NASA Marshall priority. The Policy Summit had three Program Manager, at Huntsville Public Library, 915 Monroe Objectives: Ave.; free; questions: 256-971-3055 1. To Develop a Statement of NSS Thu., Dec. 2 — HAL5 Program on “Space Biology” by Marianne Lewis, at Philosophy to support and enhance 7:00 - 8:30 PM Huntsville Public Library, 915 Monroe Ave.; free; questions: our Vision of space settlement and 256-971-3055 our Mission of promoting change to realize that Vision. · Draft Statement of Philosophy 10/18 Recommendations to Executive 2. To propose a “Roadmap To Space” (Thanks to Ron Lajoie for his help) and Policy Committees which focuses on the barriers to settlement. These barriers further · “Milestone” flowchart graphic 10/29 Deadline for Policy Committee define our Mission by identifying the comments and NSS Executive changes needed to achieve the NSS · Draft “Roadmap to Space Settlement” Committee initial comments Vision. · “Barriers to Space Settlement” 11/15 Revised Final Draft Package to 3. To review the existing NSS Position Graphic and Legend NSS Board of Directors Papers for relevance and support of · Draft policy paper recommendations 11/30 Deadline for Comments from the NSS Vision, Mission and the memo to NSS Policy Committee NSS Board of Directors proposed Statement of Philosophy. Keeping with our mandate, the group 12/5 Final Approval at the NSS All three objectives were successfully agreed on the following timetable: Executive Committee meeting addressed and consensus was reached. In the two weeks following the Summit, 10/4 Send drafts to the Task Group More details to follow soon. ¶ the following products were created: 10/11 Deadline for Task Group to return comments to Chris

Huntsville Alabama L5 Society Place Special Announcement PMB 168, 1019 Old Monrovia Road First Class Huntsville, AL 35806 Stamp HAL5 November Program Night ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Here “Chandra X-Ray Telescope” by Dr. Ed Clark, ex-NASA manager Wednesday, November 17, 7–9 pm

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