Would you ride on the space shuttle if given the chance?

from JoeUser Forums
Apologies if I've asked this question here before (I don't think I have, but hey, they say the mind is the first thing to go as you age ;) ), but I'm going to ask here now anyway:

Would you ride the space shuttle ("orbiter" actually) if you had the opportunity? (further, would you go into space in any other NASA craft if given the chance?)

Meaning, if you had a chance to go, if someone tapped you on the shoulder and said there is a seat open for you, would you take the spot and fly into space? Given what you know of the risks involved, would you take the risk and jump into the flight suit or would you say thanks, but no thanks?

Elaborate a little if you don't mind on why you would or wouldn't go.

My own answer will appear in comments in just a moment.
5,378 views 17 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
My own answer: Hellz Yes! Where is the line? Seriously, I know the risk, and the dangers involved (believe me, I really know the risk and dangers involved!) but I'd still be there taking a spot and letting out a big Yahhhhhhhhhhhoooooo! when they lit the candle and sent the orbiter on it's way into space.

Going into space was a dream many years ago, and it never really went away. Slept a little perhaps, but never gone.

I'd take a spot in an Apollo type capsule if given that chance, though with my relative size, I'd probably be taking two spots Just give me the chance to look back down on our tiny planet from miles above and I'd be there.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

In a Virginia Minute!  And I would have told them to launch today (if I was on it).

But for the most of us, we can only dream.  I actually know the MIL of one of them.  He has been on the shuttle and on the Space Station (he was on it when Columbia blew up - so he spent a lot more time in space than planned).

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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Would I? What's the worst thing that could happen? I could die while GOING INTO SPACE! What's the best, I could live the rest of my life knowing I'd BEEN IN SPACE!!

Trade off? Where!! ;~D
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
space ... the final frontier ... to boldly go where no man has gone before (cue music)

I have to admit that I would hesitate. I would be scared to death but I don't think I could pass up the chance. I would just treat it the way I do a roller coaster ride. Once you're strapped in there's no turning back. I wonder whatever happened to Lance Bass's trip to space?
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Plus I always did like tang and think being weightless would be kind of cool.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

In a heartbeat! I'd gladly go on a space shuttle ride

I've always loved challenges,  taking risks,  and of course I love travel! 

I"ve come through a lot of different things in life so I'd take my chances.

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
I would go in a heartbeat. Now how about the inverse- would you go in one of those deep sea things to the bottom of the Marinara Trench 7 miles deep? Uh, I don't think so...
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
would you go in one of those deep sea things to the bottom of the Marinara Trench 7 miles deep? Uh, I don't think so...


I think I might be much more "concerned" about going in DSRV (Deep Submersible Research Vehicle, or whatever those words are) due to things like the pressure that is applied to the hull by the weight of all of the water crushing down around you, but I'd still be right there if given the chance.

Lets change up your question just a bit to ask: would you accept the opportunity to go see the Titanic up close? Or any other famous ship wreck where you'd spend hours just diving down and then decompressing as you come back up?

Again, I'd be there.


On the submersible type issues I should comment that I've been a certified SCUBA diver in the past. I'd love to do it much more frequently, but I really would need a refresher couse if I went in anything more than a pool currently. Too much to remember about decension and ascension rates, the bends and more. The best I ever accomplished as a diver was approximately 100 feet in very murky water. I'm game for going just about any where that I could see clearly for approximately 20 feet of distance. That very murky water I commented on above was visibility of approximately 1 foot or less (around 6 inches if memory serves). The type of stuff you have to stay tethered to another diver, or group of divers, to deal with as otherwise you really can't see where anyone is.

Diving in a place with clear water and high visibility would be great, and I'd love the opportunity if I had the equipment available cheaply enough.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
I would go in a heartbeat. Now how about the inverse- would you go in one of those deep sea things to the bottom of the Marinara Trench 7 miles deep? Uh, I don't think so...


Good question, Shovel... the only way I'd do that is if I could actually see the sights down there. Just to say I'd been in a steel tube down there, would not be to experience the trench itself. To me it would be like driving through Yellow Stone National Park at night, then telling everyone you were there. While it's true, it doesn't mean much.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top

Now how about the inverse- would you go in one of those deep sea things to the bottom of the Marinara Trench 7 miles deep? Uh, I don't think so...

I would go on them in a minute as well!  The Sea fascinates me,

Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
I do it in a second! I've always wanted to venture out of the realm of our Earthly home. I think it would be the adventure of a lifetime.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think I might be much more "concerned" about going in DSRV (Deep Submersible Research Vehicle, or whatever those words are) due to things like the pressure that is applied to the hull by the weight of all of the water crushing down around you, but I'd still be right there if given the chance.


Exactly. Someting about all those tons to the square inch bothers me

Lets change up your question just a bit to ask: would you accept the opportunity to go see the Titanic up close?


Even though it would give me the "heebie-jeebies" I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I passed up the chance. I guess the same holds true for the Marinara trench thing too come to think about it.

. the only way I'd do that is if I could actually see the sights down there.


No telling the weird sights down there- would bve so cool to see, Ted.
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
If I'm going into space, I'd prefer it be when Burt Rutan gets his craft perfected. I desperately want to go in space, but when I remember that this stuff is put together by what is essentially a government agency (though they will swear up and down they're not), I have to be a little suspicious of the integrity of the craft. After all, can we really trust bureaucrats who are stupid enough to trumpet the virtues of an educational initiative designed to raise every child up to the average to design an intricate spacecraft?

Think about it, folks!
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
Absolutely, and I'd especially like to go first after a crash or mishap!

Safest flights around, no question. The level of certainty gets much higher when the crew is paying attention to their work.
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
at one time, I would be with most of you in the answer of yes, in a minute.

Not any more. Perhaps on a deep space mission of some sort, I might consider it. To just go to space though, well, probably not right away at least. I would want to have some time to consider it and then, I may or may not go.

I have 2 young children and the desire to enjoy watching them grow older is greater than my desire to go to space. 25 years of experience verse 1 week at most of experience currently... I will take the 25 years.
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think I would rather ride IN the shuttle into outer space. Riding ON just seems suicidal
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
Sure, what the hell? It'd probably be fun unless it exploded in a fiery ball of death. I would have to ask, "Are we there yet?" most of the way...because how many times do you ever get to say that on a space shuttle?

~Zoo