Name of Space Station Node 3 surprise to Stephen Colbert

William Atkins
Wednesday, 15 April 2009 18:06

Science - Space

I can see NASA’s point that they don’t name human-made space objects after living persons, which removes the name Colbert from consideration.

On the other hand, the tax-paying public from the participating nations involved with the Space Station are footing the bill for the International Space Station and, as such, do have the right to name parts of the Space Station, especially when NASA puts on a contest to do just that.

On the other hand, again, NASA did say they reserve the right to name the Node 3 whatever they want, even after the contest was over. ("NASA Nation versus Colbert Nation")

And, Tranquility is very appropriate for this time, when Apollo 11 is 40 years old. And now it is a part of the ISS.

So, what was the point of the contest if the winners don't win? Oh, yes, publicity and public participation and money (too!). Actually, I kinda liked the original name “Node 3”—modest but distinct!

Can you tell my interest is, also, kinda waning on this naming contest. Luckily, no more nodes are scheduled to be placed onto the Space Station. Can you image if Oprah tried a write-in campaign? Or, maybe even one by the Obama’s new first-dog Bo?

Just think about the possibilities, especially with NASA considering how they are going to come up with enough money to keep the Space Station up and running through 2020.

Maybe if celebrities and companies want their names on parts of the ISS they would pay some darn good money for the honor. Mmmm! A good fund-raising possibility, don't ya think?