Astronaut Wally Schirra dies

AndyG · Post by **AndyG** » 03 May 2007, 19:54

http://uk.reuters.com/article/scienceNe ... 2320070503

John · Post by **John** » 03 May 2007, 19:59

Sad news indeed. Another pioneer passes away

Kind regards

John

Paul K · Post by **Paul K** » 03 May 2007, 20:08

I vaguely remember the Apollo 7 mission. If I remember correctly, that mission introduced the television link-ups from space, with demonstrations of zero gravity and so on.

Another life well lived; rest in peace Wally.

Post by **Trev Clark** » 03 May 2007, 22:52

One of the Mercury Seven, RIP.

VC10 · Post by **VC10** » 03 May 2007, 23:56

Paul K wrote:If I remember correctly, that mission introduced the television link-ups from space, with demonstrations of zero gravity and so on.

Shouldn't that be down links?

And his attitude cost his fellow crew members, Don Eisle & Walt Cunningham their place on future flights.

He got a head cold and became very irritable and complained about some of the 'stupid' experiments they had to do & refused to carry out the planned TV at the scheduled times (for public broadcast).

Finally the flight plan called for the crew to wear their helmets for re-entry but Walt refused as they all had head colds by then and he considered it safer to re-enter with the helmets off so they could relieve the pressure in their ears during the descent. A heated argument ensued with Mission Control and Chris Kraft Chief Flight Director said that crew would never fly again. It didn't bother Walt as he had already announced Apollo 7 was to be his last flight, but it had a major effect on the careers Don & Walt.

fournier · Post by **fournier** » 04 May 2007, 09:48

VC10 wrote:
Paul K wrote:If I remember correctly, that mission introduced the television link-ups from space, with demonstrations of zero gravity and so on.
And his attitude cost his fellow crew members, Don Eisle & Walt Cunningham their place on future flights.

In hindsight it was noted that he did the right thing. As commander on that ship, his word was gospel! Besides it was a new untried bird, with many tasks to complete, having a busy TV schedule thrown into the equation was not a good idea.