 | | *Expedition
Six Commander Ken Bowersox answered these questions via e-mail. |
No.
1
From:
Dan,
Philadelphia, Pa., Age: 13
Question:
Why is the ISS orbital inclination 51.6 degrees and not something
more or less?
Bowersox:
It's a compromise between several factors, including locations of
our launch sites and the amount of cargo which can be sent into
orbit. 51.6 allows us to see a lot of the world, and launch the
most cargo from our launch site in Kazakhstan.
No.
2
From:
Jerry
R. Stoces, Anaheim, Calif., Age: 36
Question:
This
one is for Ken Bowersox. Please reflect on your initial thoughts,
on the differences between commanding a shuttle flight and an ISS
tour of duty.
Bowersox:
The biggest difference I see is that on a long flight to ISS you
can be more flexible in your approach to problems. On station, If
something doesn't work on the first try, there is often time to
try again.
No. 3
From:
Russell
Crow, Flower Mount, Texas, Age: 43
Question:
Many people set out a treat for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve (usually
cookies and milk). Since you are in zero-g, what will you leave
out for St. Nick, and in what form will it be contained?
Bowersox:
We left Santa a package of space cookies and a pack of orange drink,
wrapped in metal foil and plastic. Everything was velcroed to the
wall over the ventilation ducts.
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