Europe Unveils British Astronaut

[Orgun]

F*CK YEAH!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8058601.stm

I was a bit shocked by this quote

But the European Space agency says its new astronauts were judged solely on their ability to do the job, not on national government policy.

I figured people would be picked on their skills in the first place and not on government policy. I know I shouldnt be suprised that politics plays a large part in selection but I am.

[Dogg Thang]

Lucky bastard. I want to go into space.

2009 and no holidays to the Moon. This sucks. What the hell happened to the future?

Well, I hope he enjoys it and it all goes well. Like you, I would have certainly hoped that people would be chosen for their skills. It would have been rather funny if a mission went tits-up because some ambassador's nephew was a complete goon and had no idea what he was doing.

[garrz32]

I figured people would be picked on their skills in the first place and not on government policy.

Totally agree.....Like this guy.lol