OK, you've got your eye masks on, will she sign in please.
How old are you? BCG survey. Page 4
Quote: Hercules Grytpype Thynne @ 18th February 2015, 7:04 PM GMTWhenever I see that graphic of the estimated debris flying around the Earth, I think WTF - how the hell do they steer a space flight through that lot!
I spent many years in the satellite biz, so I can answer that. There are currently about 40,000 trackable objects in orbit, but that isn't really all that much considering the millions of cubic miles of space that we're talking about. That's not to say that it's nothing to worry about, as the shuttles and space stations occasionally raise their orbits when they are predicted to pass close to a tracked object. Even so, dozens of shuttle windows were replaced during their lifetime after they were damaged by manmade objects like flecks of paint. (Micrometeoroids are also an issue.)
The Chinese anti-satellite missile test a few years back resulted in about 8,000 pieces of trackable debris and they were widely condemned for their reckless action. In addition, hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris were created that were too small to be tracked, although they remain very dangerous to man and machine in orbit.
There was also a collision between a defunct Russian satellite and a functioning Iridium bird that generated lots of debris. The Iridium spacecraft could have been maneuvered out of the way of the uncontrollable Russian satellite, but it was thought that they would miss each other. Oops.
Almost a third of the objects in orbit were generated by these two collisions, so improved tracking of orbiting objects is a major concern, as is the development of a cleanup capability. Much work is being done in these fields.
Quote: Loopey @ 19th February 2015, 12:08 PM GMTI want to know who the mystery lady is.
You need to stop drinking and glowering at puddles
Quote: DaButt @ 19th February 2015, 1:57 PM GMTI spent many years in the satellite biz, so I can answer that. There are currently about 40,000 trackable objects in orbit, but that isn't really all that much considering the millions of cubic miles of space that we're talking about. That's not to say that it's nothing to worry about, as the shuttles and space stations occasionally raise their orbits when they are predicted to pass close to a tracked object. Even so, dozens of shuttle windows were replaced during their lifetime after they were damaged by manmade objects like flecks of paint. (Micrometeoroids are also an issue.)
The Chinese anti-satellite missile test a few years back resulted in about 8,000 pieces of trackable debris and they were widely condemned for their reckless action. In addition, hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris were created that were too small to be tracked, although they remain very dangerous to man and machine in orbit.
There was also a collision between a defunct Russian satellite and a functioning Iridium bird that generated lots of debris. The Iridium spacecraft could have been maneuvered out of the way of the uncontrollable Russian satellite, but it was thought that they would miss each other. Oops.
Almost a third of the objects in orbit were generated by these two collisions, so improved tracking of orbiting objects is a major concern, as is the development of a cleanup capability. Much work is being done in these fields.
I just rung Sir Richard and cancelled my Virgin Galactic flight - won't give me my deposit back though. 
Quote: Hercules Grytpype Thynne @ 19th February 2015, 2:48 PM GMTI just rung Sir Richard and canelled my Virgin Galactic flight
You should have done that after their vehicle broke up in flight. 
Quote: zooo @ 18th February 2015, 10:53 PM GMTLeave me out of this!
(I am 109.)
Age cannot wither nor custom something her infinite variety!
Quote: DaButt @ 19th February 2015, 2:53 PM GMTYou should have done that after their vehicle broke up in flight.
Yeah, but at the time I didn't want to lose my no claims discount.
Quote: Gordon Bennett @ 19th February 2015, 1:08 PM GMTDavid Smith?
Truly he is one of the most mysterious and beguiling women.
He's got a cracking set of top bollocks too
Quote: DaButt @ 19th February 2015, 1:57 PM GMTI spent many years in the satellite biz, so I can answer that. There are currently about 40,000 trackable objects in orbit, but that isn't really all that much considering the millions of cubic miles of space that we're talking about. That's not to say that it's nothing to worry about, as the shuttles and space stations occasionally raise their orbits when they are predicted to pass close to a tracked object. Even so, dozens of shuttle windows were replaced during their lifetime after they were damaged by manmade objects like flecks of paint. (Micrometeoroids are also an issue.)
The Chinese anti-satellite missile test a few years back resulted in about 8,000 pieces of trackable debris and they were widely condemned for their reckless action. In addition, hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris were created that were too small to be tracked, although they remain very dangerous to man and machine in orbit.
There was also a collision between a defunct Russian satellite and a functioning Iridium bird that generated lots of debris. The Iridium spacecraft could have been maneuvered out of the way of the uncontrollable Russian satellite, but it was thought that they would miss each other. Oops.
Almost a third of the objects in orbit were generated by these two collisions, so improved tracking of orbiting objects is a major concern, as is the development of a cleanup capability. Much work is being done in these fields.
Yes, fine, but none of it is real is it? It's simply a pictorial/spatial projection of the combined human brain capacity on this planet. What it knows and what it doesn't know and the clashes between those two things. In other words, it is just that brain represented in a fantasy externalised form, albeit impressive politically.
It has to be as it is only comprehensible in human terms and language. None of it actually exists beyond the human brain. Actually, there is nothing out there and there never has been. Except, perhaps, a combined human ego that is the size of several universes. It believes it has the capacity to know it all while tacitly recognising that for all of the brilliance of the combined brain at codifying, it is still mostly floating debris.
I thank you.
Quote: A Horseradish @ 19th February 2015, 9:00 PM GMTYes, fine, but none of it is real is it? It's simply a pictorial/spatial projection of the combined human brain capacity on this planet. What it knows and what it doesn't know and the clashes between those two things. In other words, it is just that brain represented in a fantasy externalised form, albeit impressive politically.
It has to be because it is only comprehensible in human terms and language. None of it actually exists beyond the human brain. Actually, there is nothing out there and there never has been. Except, perhaps, a combined human ego that is the size of several universes. It believes it has the capacity to know it all while recognising tacitly that for all of the brilliance of the brain at codifying, the brain is mostly floating debris.
I thank you.
Er, yeah. In a nutshell, that's wot I was gonna say. 
Nice one Horse. 
Quote: Hercules Grytpype Thynne @ 19th February 2015, 9:05 PM GMTEr, yeah. In a nutshell, that's wot I was gonna say.
Glad, as always, to be of service.
I would like to claim the credit.
But that's down to the Sagittarian sun, the Virgo moon and especially the Aquarius ascendent.
Not that astrology isn't also bollocks. 
Quote: Loopey @ 19th February 2015, 12:08 PM GMTI want to know who the mystery lady is.
I know. I've conversed with her about her daughter.
And I think I must be about number 10.
I have put my sons names forward?... eat well, healthy. not attached- so perfect!
: 
they didnt really understand the concept...mmm OH well, must do more research.
I'm just going to come forward and tell the truth I am actually 18. I joined BCG in Feb 2012, I was only 15 but have always loved British Comedy so just wanted to join! I am a very big fan of this site and it really does provide excellent information.