IEEE Spectrum's Tech Talk

Somehow, as reflected in this article, I would expect the squabbling to be left on the ground; and restricted to functionaries who will NOT have to depend on each other. Now let us identify each and every bureaucrat involved in this squabble and fire hang them publicly.

And the idea of 24/7 cameras turning the space station into a new "reality" show just makes me want to retch. Next step, created conflict?

I give all heartfelt support to commander Col. Gennady Padalka, and admire him, and his fellows for their work.

When I think about the SpaceStation, my most ready comparison is a Nuclear Submarine.

Of course I am aware that Nations own, and do not commingle crews on Nuclear Submarines.

Still, I feel that in the end Maritime Law, or at least Maritime Traditions, ought to be applied in such situations.

In other words, if the Captain of the ship feels ground, or bureaucratic orders from the ground are creating a dangerous situation over who gets to use what toilet, or gym equipment, the people on the ground ought to respect his judgement, and shut up about it.

It is always the adding up of little insults and imperfections that create the most dangerous situations.

There have been in the past a good number of aircraft crashes caused by focus on minutia when where the ground was, was a more important consideration.

Though I love Democracy, and many other governmental theories, in theory, it is still clear to me that on a ship, a good Captain is irreplaceable.

According to strictures of international law, which is based on maritime law, I sincerely hope, the commander of the International Space Station is given due respect, and allowed to run the ship, in a manner that keeps morale up, and improves and maintains operations.

An unhappy, bothered, resentful, and divided crew, is a dangerous crew.

All honor to the Commander for voicing his concern that we would not want to live with if they were pointing missiles down at us, especially if you were a bureaucrat calling from the pleasures of Earth to say who could go to the toilet where, to a Space Ship, For Gods Sakes!

I'm sure any reasonable astronaut could be "persuaded" to let his colleagues use his gym facilities: I wonder what the rules are on bringing back bottles of vodka from space.

Easy. Just go through the red channel at Customs!