AOL Live - transcript of 10/29/98 presented by -t h e t r e n c h- Welcome to AOL Live, Roger Balettie and NSSHostCat! Roger Balettie: Thanks, Lou! Glad to be here! NSSHostCat: Good evening, everyone, and welcome! On behalf of Space Exploration Online and Space History Chat, we are very pleased to present Mr. Roger Balettie, former NASA Flight Dynamics Officer and our very own "Ask Mission Control" Answer Man! We are very fortunate to have Roger tonight, after the beautiful launch of STS-95, carrying "seven American heroes and one American Legend." NSSHostCat: Roger has been in the "hot seat" on numerous space shuttle missions himself and knows first hand the behind the scenes life at Mission Control! He brings to us 12 years of experience therefore, Roger can answer questions about the Space Shuttle; past, present, or future missions, such as: what goes on at Johnson Space Center before, during, and after Shuttle missions. Thank you for joining us tonight, and let's get going! Roger, it's a go for launch! Roger Balettie: Thanks, Diana! Who has the first question? AOLiveMC2: And here's our first question for Roger: Question: How much money was spent on the launch? M.P. Roger Balettie: A good question -- I don't have the exact figure in front of me but it was no more or less expensive than any other launch. Question: How do you feel about John Glenn going up into Space? Roger Balettie: I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for John Glenn, former Mercury astronaut. His presence on this flight will be very good for NASA public relations! And, given the state of everything now, we can use all the good press we can get! Question: How much gas does it take to go to the moon? Thanks, M.P. Roger Balettie: "How much gas" really depends on what type of rocket you use and how much "payload" (including people and equipment) you need to take with you! If you check the KSC website (http://www.ksc.nasa.gov/) they have a *great* historical section on the Apollo program. I'm sure the specifics of fuel usage are there! Question: Hello, I would like to know how is the food in the space shuttle? Roger Balettie: Great question! You'd be surprised how "normal" the food is! They have snacks ranging from M&Ms, raisins, and Goldfish crackers to "full-blown" meals that have been dehydrated! Just add water, stir, and heat it up! One of the favorites of the astronauts is the shrimp cocktail! Just add water and it's YUMMY!!!!! NSSHostCat: LOVE those M&M's!! ;-) Shannon Lucid's favorite. AOLiveMC2: Wow! Question: What is the altitude in miles of our atmosphere? Roger Balettie: Great question again! NASA uses 400,000 feet as the altitude of "entry interface" that equates to a little over 65 nautical miles (65.832 to be exact!) Question: What is a flight dynamics officer? Roger Balettie: A Flight Dynamics Officer (FDO - pronounced "fido") is responsible for when the shuttle turns on its back just after the liftoff, trajectory, or flight path, of the Shuttle and all associated vehicles in orbit. We essentially know "where is it," and "where is it going?". The FDO's also compute launch and landing times, payload deployments and rendezvous maneuvers. Does that answer your question??? :) Question: Hi! Do you think there is going to be a launch after the millennium, and which man will travel farther into space? Roger Balettie: 2 questions: 1) Yes, there will be *lots* of launches after the year 2000 Earth including many to assemble and operate ISS (International Space Station), and 2) Which man will travel farther? So far, the Apollo crews. Question: How high up are they flying? How many miles up are they? Roger Balettie: STS-95 is currently flying at approximately 300 Nautical Miles or around 340 statute miles, if I can do that calculation in my head. Question: In space, is Mr. Glenn going to age more than he is on Earth? Roger Balettie: Nope, the relativistic effects of space flight are almost nonexistent in Earth orbit. Although, he *will* age but at the same rate as if he were sitting at home! Question: Earlier someone mentioned that it was unusual to not hear from Houston until after the SRB separation. Any reasons? Roger Balettie: I believe the "abort mode" calls (you've heard them during ascents "Single Engine Press To MECO" and the like) have been trimmed down a bit. And, if that's the case, this may have been the first flight to use them. Question: How does it feel in Mission Control when a mission is in progress? Does it make you nervous? Roger Balettie: Working in Mission Control is the most exciting job I can imagine, next to actually *FLYING* into space, of course! As far as being nervous? No ... *intense*? Absolutely! Great question, by the way! NSSHostCat: Exciting AND nerve-wracking! Question: Will renewed interest in the program mean better government funding? Roger Balettie: Another good one... I certainly HOPE so! And, if flying John Glenn again does that for us (gets the public excited about space), then I'm all for it, and let's get *all* of the remaining Mercury 7 in line for a flight. NSSHostCat: Amen to that, Roger! Question: What happens if you get the stomach virus up in space? Roger Balettie: Simply -- you get sick! AOLiveMC2: LOL NSSHostCat: Oh, my what a thought! Roger Balettie: Fortunately, there hasn't been any "virus" sicknesses in space. Question: You worked on so many flights, ever want to go yourself? Roger Balettie: YES!!! NSSHostCat: Woo hoo! You go, Roger! ;-) Roger Balettie: I actually applied for the Astronaut Corps but wasn't selected, because I have the "typical male" red-green colorblindness problem. :( I have heard, however, that there is a new technology being developed to correct that with a coating on my contacts! So, I still have hope! NSSHostCat: So you wouldn't know a red light from a green light in space? I don't think that should be a MAJOR problem! Question: Are there any experiments on this mission being carried out for future study in the construction of the international space station? Roger Balettie: As far as any experiments being conducted that will affect the *construction* of ISS? Not that I'm aware of, however, there are plenty of good experiments being done that will be done on ISS! Question: Was the latch that fell off the shuttle important? Roger Balettie: Another good question... NSSHostCat: I was wondering about that myself. Roger Balettie: The question refers to the cover from the Orbiter drag chute at the base of the tail that came off during ascent. So far, it will not affect the total mission duration, but I'm sure there is a lot of discussions going on *as we speak* about what effects it will have during entry and landing! NSSHostCat: Do you think it will warrant an EVA? 60's? Roger Balettie: I'll try to post something to the "Ask Mission Control" board as I hear info. As far as the EVA goes, no I don't see it causing that. Question: Where is the space shuttle now? Roger Balettie: Good question. If you go to the NASA Shuttle Web (after we're done!) http://shuttle.nasa.gov/ Select "Tracking Displays" from the menu and you'll be able to watch to your yourself heart's content! Question: Aren't we spending an awful lot of money for this flight. What is NASA hoping to achieve by sending Glenn into space again? Roger Balettie: The money spent on NASA has been proven time and again to return at least if not more than 7 times the amount spent! So, any space flight will always be a "good investment" for the US because of the wonderful science, medicine, and technology spin-offs and benefits! Don't *ever* let anyone convince you that space flight doesn't give anything back! :) Question: I go to John Glenn High School and I have to do a report about John Glenn. Do you think of him as an American hero? Roger Balettie: I think that all astronauts are heroes... NSSHostCat: Ahem ... *I* do, if that counts for anything! Roger Balettie: But, I also think that my parents and grandparents, etc., are heroes, too! NSSHostCat: I admit I had tears in my eyes watching Discovery lift off today. Roger Balettie: But, as far as the courage that the early Mercury astronauts had to exhibit? It was *beyond* heroism it was an amazing thing. So, yes I do. And, Cat, I agree *any* launch makes me proud to be an American. Question: Do you think that we will have the technology by 2010 to send people up to Mars? Roger Balettie: Technology? You bet!! It's the *money* we lack. Start writing your Congressmen let *THEM* know that moving out to Mars and back to the Moon is the way to go! NSSHostCat: Therefore the boost that John Glenn has given the space program SHOULD help! Roger Balettie: It's like the line from "The Right Stuff": "No bucks - No Buck Rogers!" NSSHostCat: I love that line! Roger Balettie: Agreed, Cat ... the boost *SHOULD* help, if the public takes that initiative and runs with it! Question: How many years of school did you have to go through? Thanks. "Rookie" Roger Balettie: I have two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (4 years!) and a Master of Science in "Space Science" (took about 3 years, but it was *one* course at a time at night after work!) But, the Bachelor's degree was all that it took to "get started." :) Question: How long does it take to circle the Earth while in orbit? Roger Balettie: Great question. While the *EXACT* figure depends on how high above the Earth you are, for Shuttle altitudes, it's 90 minutes, plus or minus one or two (less than 90 if you're "low" and more than 90 if you're "high") So, exercise for everyone! STS-95 is at 300 NM (that's "high") is their orbital period *less* than or *more* than 90 minutes? Answer: *MORE* than 90 minutes on the order of 95 or so. NSSHostCat: Ewww ... a math question! Question: How old do have to be to go into space, and will they ever lower it to include kids? Roger Balettie: There are no *real* age requirements to be an astronaut, *HOWEVER*, the amount of experience required to be an astronaut usually rules out anyone under 30. As far as flying kids goes, don't look for it anytime in the near future. It won't be until "space tourism" becomes a reality that kids get the chance to fly! Sorry! NSSHostCat: Even though some parents are counting on it! ;-) Question: I'm fascinated with the space station being built in cooperation with other nations. What is your perception of this project and the global impact it may have? Roger Balettie: I think that the *concept* of global cooperation is a fine and noble one. However, the implementation of the current project hasn't quite worked out as well as it could have, due to the different economies of the nations involved. I feel that cooperation is a requirement eventually, but right now, parts of the "team" are holding the rest back. This will be resolved, in one manner or the other, in due course. The information and knowledge gained, however, will be shared with all, because space is our last, best destiny and needs to benefit *EVERYONE* or it benefits *no one.* Question: How do you go to the bathroom in space? Roger Balettie: Remarkably like you do on Earth! The only difference is the actual toilet mechanism! NSSHostCat: CNN had a very good segment on it today. Roger Balettie: The "space toilet" is a remarkable device that uses a mild suction to "assist" the user in...um... "taking care of business." The astronauts actually have to *practice* on Earth using this "special toilet" and be *certified* on its use before they can fly! NSSHostCat: Very tactfully put, Roger! ;-) Roger Balettie: You wouldn't want an astronaut who *didn't* know how to properly use the toilet to... um... "mess things up" for everyone else! Ha! AOLiveMC2: I wouldn't think so! Question: Ramjet (Roger) where do you work? Roger Balettie: Right now, I work at The University of Texas (Hook 'em Horns...beat Nebraska!) But, I spent 12 years working at the Johnson Space Center in Houston Texas, in Mission Control! Question: How much longer is the rocket boosters than the shuttle itself? Roger Balettie: Not *much* more... NSSHostCat: Good question! Roger Balettie: I don't have the exact facts in front of me, but if you go to the NASA Shuttle Web http://shuttle.nasa.gov/ they have the "Shuttle facts book" on line! The answers are there! NSSHostCat: It looks quite a bit larger when it's sitting on the pad. Question: Will we see a manned mission to mars in the near future? Roger Balettie: That really depends on what you mean by "the near future." Will we have the funding to do it? *THAT* is the big question... NSSHostCat: Again ... WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMEN! Roger Balettie: We need *EVERYONE* and their friends and family to write their Congressmen and tell them to fund NASA and space exploration! Remember...for every dollar spent on NASA...we get at *least* 7 back! Question: Roger, Do you or have you ever worked with the "Planetary Society?" Roger Balettie: I haven't worked *directly* with them, although I do support their goals. Question: Approximately how many astronauts are there currently in the "astronaut corps?" Roger Balettie: They just had two classes added to the Corps recently so my figures are probably off ... about 100 or so, if I remember correctly. If you go to this website on the JSC site: http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/pao/public/astronauts.html The answer is probably there or you can count them yourself!!!! :) Question: Will the time between shuttle flights decrease since the proposed space station is about to start? Roger Balettie: That is the plan. There is a minimum amount of "turnaround" time between flights using the same Orbiter, however, that really can't be sped up ... NSSHostCat: The next flight is December 3rd, right, Roger? Roger Balettie: ... so, the maximum number of flights per year probably won't be too many more than we've had in the past, about 8 per year. NSSHostCat: On a different Orbiter than Discovery, of course. Roger Balettie: The next *planned* flight is December 3rd, Cat, but that's the first ISS flight and is very much "up in the air" (no pun intended) right now with the problems the Russian Space Agency is having with their funding and scheduled deliveries. Question: You mentioned your contacts earlier. Can astronauts wear contacts in space? How does that work? Roger Balettie: There *have* been a few astronauts who were able to wear their contacts in space. There have been *many* astronauts who wore their glasses! NSSHostCat: I would imagine it would be very difficult to remove and clean them there! Roger Balettie: The potential problems with contacts in space are that the fluids in your body shift ... NSSHostCat: I can just see them chasing a contact around the cabin. Roger Balettie: On some, more than others, this would keep them from using their contacts! However, some haven't had a problem, and have actually said it was *easier* to remove and clean their contacts in space than on the ground!!! Question: What happens if the shuttle is unable to return to earth? Roger Balettie: Fortunately, we've never had to deal with that problem... NSSHostCat: And hopefully we never WILL! Roger Balettie: ... there are many backup systems and safeguards that would prevent such an "anomaly" like that from happening. Question: Does the shuttle have the ability to launch and retrieve a lunar craft? Roger Balettie: As long as the craft fit into the payload bay and had its own methods of leaving low Earth orbit and returning, yes. Remember, though the Shuttle is *NOT* capable of going to the Moon! Nor, would you want it to. There's no reason to cart along the wings and things that have no purpose for lunar travel! But, if that lunar craft could make it from orbit to the Moon and back the Shuttle could take it and bring it back from Earth orbit. AOLiveMC2: We have time for one final question: Question: This may be a stupid question, but how does the shuttle fly back to earth after it has entered the atmosphere since it doesn't have the capacity to fly on its own thrust? Roger Balettie: It is *NOT* a stupid question!!! And a *great* one to end with! Roger Balettie: The Orbiter, during reentry, is essentially a glider! The reentry path, defined by the FDO (by the way!), allows the Orbiter to fly through the atmosphere using its own wings and body shape to produce lift just like a glider would (or a paper airplane does if you throw it!). NSSHostCat: So the FDO makes the determination whether to land at KSC or Edwards? Roger Balettie: So, as the Orbiter approaches the landing site, it performs several turns that help it to slow down and align itself with the runway! The FDO, Flight Director, and the weather folks decide KSC vs. Edwards. OnlineHost: All good things must end. Time is up for this event! Roger Balettie: Thank you *SO* much everyone *GREAT* questions!!!!! NSSHostCat: Thank you, Roger, for a wonderful chat! Roger Balettie: Remember, go to AOL keyword: Space! AOLiveMC2: Cat and Roger, this has been a very informative and entertaining event. NSSHostCat: Thank you, AOL Live! Okay, everyone, we are going to continue this chat in the Space Forum, keyword: SPACE! AND REMEMBER: We are going to use CHAT PROTOCOL. See you there! Roger Balettie: Thanks to our AOL Live hosts! AOLiveMC2: And thanks to you for being such wonderful guests. Roger Balettie: Good night to all who aren't going to join us for the follow-up chat. AOLiveMC5: Night Everyone! Roger Balettie: And see you in a few to those who will! NSSHostCat: Goodnight! Roger Balettie: Good night! Copyright 1998 National Space Society; licensed to America Online, Inc. 11/3/98 4:02 PM website design and contents ©1999 ramjetfdo web designs Return to Roger's Space Exploration Page