NASA Unveils the Orion Spacecraft

NASA has plans for the space exploration, despite the fact that the Shuttle program is over.  NASA's new spacecraft, the Orion, has just been unveiled during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Kennedy Space Center. Orion, in conjunction with the private industry SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, will ensure that NASA has its hands in space exploration for years to come.

The Orion photo above shows the different parts of the spacecraft. On top, a launch abort system is in place if the spacecraft needs to quickly separate from the rocket in case of emergency. The crew module is where the crew hangs out, and the service module has support equipment. It bears a striking resemblance to the old Apollo spacecraft that we used to get to the moon. This reflects NASA's new mission of single purpose, focused spacecraft, as opposed to the one-use-for-everything Space Shuttle.

According to SpaceFlightNow the plans are for a test flights in 2014 in 2017, followed by a flight with a crew of up to four astronauts in 2021. 

My Chalkboard Erases Your Computer

I've read a lot about school districts using tablets to help with classroom education. In theory, it's great for subjects such as science and mathematics - students are allowed to view examples of graphs and concepts in an interactive way.  Hell, my high school now allows students to beam their work up to the board, effectively removing the requirement for kids to go up to the board and solve problems. We were still checking DOS-only email and browsing the web with Netscape while I was there.

However, this must be balanced with keeping it old school and getting your hands chalky at the chalkboard. It teaches kids how to present their work in front of others and show their thought process. Most importantly, it forces kids how to deal with an awkward situation.  Many people have a hard time going up in front of a crowd.  As much practice as possible is needed, and school is the perfect place for learning how to deal with the anxiety of butterflies.

I visited the NJ SEEDS program at The Hill School in Pottstown, PA, and sat in on a math class. I'm a proud 1994 alum of this program, and I observed an amazing thing in the classroom. The students pointed out an error in one of the teacher's calculations, and the teacher took advantage. She called students to work out why she was wrong on the board - using long division! Some kids struggled more than others, but everyone got it. Math victory!

I know it's strange to say on a science and technology blog, but sometimes classroom and instruction are better when the tech is not the dominant factor. Kids should take handwritten notes, write on the board when necessary, and learn how to deal with the awkwardness of being up in front of a group.  It will pay off in the future!

I Love The Internet, But ...

Editor's note: I've been profiled in the Charlotte Observer - check it out!

Mashable is reporting that the United Nations Human Right council has declared the internet a human right. From the article:

The resolution says that all people should be allowed to connect to and express themselves freely on the Internet. All 47 members of the Human Rights Council, including notoriously censorship-prone countries such as China and Cuba, signed the resolution.

The internet has changed the world as I wrote about earlier, but I wouldn't equate it to a human right. These rights tend to be intangibles such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I view the internet as a utility, like electricity, gas, and water - very important things that a civilized society needs, but not a right.

If the internet stopped operating tomorrow, I'd have a tough time.  But I could also live like - oh, I don't know, how I did the first 14 years of my life before I discovered the web in high school.  I can still read, play video games, program, and enjoy life. I couldn't say that if I lost access to freedom.

A Year Since the Launch

One year ago, I was lucky enough to see the last NASA Space Shuttle launch in person. I joined over 100 other participants in the NASA Social program (formerly NASA Tweetup) as we had exclusive media access to the best seats in the house in Cape Canaveral, Florida.. We shared laughs, knowledge, and more laughs as we celebrated all that the US has done with the space program in the last few decades.

Amazingly, we've come a long way since then, with SpaceX's Dragon becoming the first private spacecraft to dock with the International apace Station and China launching its first woman into space. Space exploration will continue, even without the shuttles.

For my thoughts at the time, check out the following posts:

- Initial announcement of my trip

- Philadelphia Examiner interview

- WHYY interview

- Recap of the first day of the two day program

- Video from the Shuttle up close

- Video of the final liftoff (also embedded above)

- Post Launch thoughts

- Writeup for Media Tapper

A Boy, a Man, and a VHS Player

Check out the hilarious video below of a filmmaker who left a video for himself 20 years ago. He obviously takes some editing liberties, but he's allowed to since he's talking to himself!

I never had a camcorder as a kid, but this is something I definitely would have done. I did, however, own a VHS player, and would often record my favorite shows and movies of the time. I was talking to my mom the other day and she still has her dedicated VHS rewinder, which I remember using especially for avoiding the extra charge that Blockbhster would penalize you for if your returned tape was not fully rewound.