NASA-Muslim Outreach?

BlueStreak · #1 07-09-2010, 02:49 AM

I know that, to a degree the space program was used as an outreach to the USSR in the 1970's and 1980's with some success. But, I have to admit I find this a bit bizarre;

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/opini...-Outreach-4241

Even as I consider the differences between the mainstream Muslim World, and that of the Extreme Islamists, I don't see that slapping a star and crescent on the side of the International Space Station is going to do much to change what's been going on for the last 1300 years.

Dave

Boreas · #2 07-09-2010, 03:19 AM

I don't see a single thing wrong with this. If anything, knowing that The Moonie Times, Dr. Strangelove and Prawn Vanity object means it must be a good idea.

John

JJIII · #3 07-09-2010, 05:34 AM

Seems to me to be the opposite of tilting at windmills.

piece-itpete · #4 07-09-2010, 08:38 AM

EVERYTHING'S a freakin' affirmative action program.

Pete

finnbow · #5 07-09-2010, 09:42 AM

It is a bit confusing. Using NASA as the vehicle to give a technological jumpstart to Muslim nations after a millenia of backwardness is a bid odd.

That said, I don't believe that it really is one of NASA's priorities. I think it was nothing more than a conciliatory comment to a Muslim audience. Much ado about nothing, methinks.

OTOH, if an Arab astronaut's participation on a trip to the space station would help pull young Arab minds toward science and academic achievement, it would be a good thing. I'm not holding my breath though.

Boreas · #6 07-09-2010, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnbow

OTOH, if an Arab astronaut's participation on a trip to the space station would help pull young Arab minds toward science and academic achievement, it would be a good thing. I'm not holding my breath though.

Now, if only NASA would perform a similar outreach to the Bible Belt!

John