US Astronauts Now Have Russian Speaking Requirement.

W

WhatInThe

SF VIP
A forgone conclusion actually since the Russian are the only ones with an active manned spaced program including transport capability.

http://www.universetoday.com/101302/want-to-be-an-astronaut-learn-how-to-speak-russian/

So it's no longer enough to study the math and sciences, complete honorable tours of military service including flight training & experience, achieve or become an expert in your field a second language is now required for what the US could as a matter of routine with one language-English.
 

QuickSilver said:
That's good isn't it?
Click to expand...

Good or bad just sad that the same country that beat everyone else to the moon or has sent exploration satellites further than any other nation must kow tow to another to do what it once did the best. The need is obviously there, when in Rome...

It is a bad thing because any foreign language speaking requirement might knock someone out of the running for a job that they are better at or more qualified to do resume wise.
 
WhatInThe said:
Good or bad just sad that the same country that beat everyone else to the moon or has sent exploration satellites further than any other nation must kow tow to another to do what it once did the best. The need is obviously there, when in Rome...

It is a bad thing because any foreign language speaking requirement might knock someone out of the running for a job that they are better at or more qualified to do resume wise.
Click to expand...

Well... The Space program hasn't been a priority... for a long time.. Cost to much money... and how would we give all those tax breaks to the wealthy and to Corporations if we wasted our money on something like the Space program?

So I guess if anyone wants to get into it... they've gotta learn Russian.. They dominate that area now.. BUT hey... take heart.. the wealthy in America are doing just fine!!
 
QuickSilver said:
Well... The Space program hasn't been a priority... for a long time.. Cost to much money... and how would we give all those tax breaks to the wealthy and to Corporations if we wasted our money on something like the Space program?
Click to expand...

Rather than rely on the mammoth shuttle program the US should've gone back to a capsule type program since it's purpose is basically ferrying people to and from the space station. They could've sent supplies up unmanned. The Russians seem to be getting supplies there without a shuttle. And they could privatize a lot more of the launches.
 
WhatInThe said:
Good or bad just sad that the same country that beat everyone else to the moon or has sent exploration satellites further than any other nation must kow tow to another to do what it once did the best. The need is obviously there, when in Rome...

It is a bad thing because any foreign language speaking requirement might knock someone out of the running for a job that they are better at or more qualified to do resume wise.
Click to expand...

Having to "kow tow" is an emotional thing, a bruised ego of nationalism. Scientists and engineers are less concerned with such petty concerns, and instead are interested in maximizing mission success.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the pride of the U.S. beating the Soviets(mostly) in the space-race. Times have changed, but I think NASA will someday take the lead in mankind's space exploration effort.
 
Astronauts are capable of learning Russian in a crash course if Lee Harvey Oswald could. Oswald was a Ruusian language specialist while in the military if my memory serves me...
 

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