The Ares V at the launchpad, plus artist's impression of what the anti-bat mesh would look like on launch day (NASA)
From the UniverseToday article:
Although NASA was not thought to be responsible for the death of the little animal at
first (calling the whole incident "sad but unavoidable"), a Florida state official is pursuing legal action against the ground staff at the Cape. According to state animal protection law, NASA may be charged with negligence, after making little effort to prevent “animal interaction” with the launchpad and apparent unwillingness to remove Brian by hand before launch. However, as investigated by the local press, there are far more animal deaths during shuttle launches than we realise...
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Bringing the US legal system into this tarnishes the memory of space bat. Space bat was a marytr. He gave his life so that others may find hope and purpose, and learn from his tale of determination and courage.
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ReplyDeleteFor Space Bat. <3
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts119/launchbat.html
ReplyDelete"Because the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge coexists inside Kennedy Space Center, the launch pads have a number of measures available, including warning sirens, to deter birds and other creatures from getting too close. The launch team also uses radar to watch for birds before a shuttle liftoff.
Nevertheless, the bat stayed in place and it was seen changing positions from time to time."
Yes, I think we should hold NASA responsible. Just as we hold the Make-A-Wish Foundation responsible for putting smiles on the faces of children with terminal illnesses.
"Based on images and video, a wildlife expert who provides support to the center said the small creature was a free tail bat that likely had a broken left wing and some problem with its right shoulder or wrist."
Space Bat knew his time had come and did what most of us never will... Lived our dreams. I, for one, thank NASA for letting this courageous creature to reach the stars, and Space Bat, for showing us what can happen if you aim for them.
Go S.B.
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