MSL Naming? |
MSL Naming? |
Dec 25 2006, 12:15 AM
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Merciless Robot Group: Admin Posts: 8790 Joined: 8-December 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 602 |
Anybody know if there's to be a naming of names for MSL? If so, I'd just like to propose an unimpeachable candidate moniker: Sagan (Carl to his friends).
I know that the MPF lander was named in his honor, but for some reason the name never stuck with the public in the same way that Sojourner, Spirit, and Opportunity did; perhaps we tend to anthropomorphize rovers more than fixed landers. In that light, MSL will hopefully spend many years exploring Mars much as Sagan did; what could be more fitting? -------------------- A few will take this knowledge and use this power of a dream realized as a force for change, an impetus for further discovery to make less ancient dreams real.
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Jan 1 2007, 02:54 AM
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Merciless Robot Group: Admin Posts: 8790 Joined: 8-December 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 602 |
I can dig it, Jim...but there are two excellent reasons to name major missions:
1. Public outreach. This is something that NASA has consistently underestimated in significance, but they're getting hip- no bucks, no Buck Rogers. While aficionados like myself & professionals like you may prefer functional nomenclature for its brevity & precision, the press likes sound bites, the catchier & easier the better. Sad fact of life, man. 2. History/heraldry. UMSF is making major tracks in the history books. Hopefully, its contributions will be recognized as even more important over the next few hundred years as we (hopefully) expand human presence throughout the Solar System. Therefore, it is entirely appropriate to name these robotic pioneers after the human pioneers that laid the foundation for these critical voyages, or the ideals/concepts that represent the best of our collective human spirit. -------------------- A few will take this knowledge and use this power of a dream realized as a force for change, an impetus for further discovery to make less ancient dreams real.
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