BS: Apes in space/spy satellites

Subject: BS: Apes in space/spy satellites
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 10:33 AM

I read this yesterday, in Peter Rhodes' column in the Wolverhampton Express & Star. Remember the early days of the US space program? They sent up a number of much-publicised small satellites with a chimp inside, ostensibly as preparation for the manned program. It now turns out this was a cover for launching spy satelites. Rhodes suggested that if they tried that today, the public would march on Washington and kill the president.

My guess is they'd make the chimp president in his place. Hey -- you don't think...?

Subject: RE: BS: Apes in space/spy satellites
From: muppett
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 10:38 AM

THEY'VE DONE THAT ALREADY HAVEN'T THEY?

Subject: RE: BS: Apes in space/spy satellites
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 11:03 AM

Why would they send up chimps when they could send up a TV or Radio satellite at far less expense? Echo was in place by the end of 1960 - the first chimp didn't go up until 1961 - and didn't go into orbit until later.

Subject: RE: BS: Apes in space/spy satellites
From: fretless
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 11:41 AM

Back in the 60s they would launch almost anything. At one point the Russians sent a bunch of cows into orbit. Called it "The Herd Shot 'Round the World."

Sorry.

Subject: RE: BS: Apes in space/spy satellites
From: Amergin
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 11:56 AM

but i thought Bush was in the Uk......

Subject: RE: BS: Apes in space/spy satellites
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 12:06 PM

Yes, Amergin -- but will anyone get close enough to spot the swap? We know the Queen will never let on (she never has in the past). They might have trouble shutting Philip up, though.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Apes in space/spy satellites
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 05:05 AM

Saw him on the news alst night: the arms and legs looked quite the natural lengths.

Subject: RE: BS: Apes in space/spy satellites
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 09:35 AM

Take our resident President -- please!

As for "marching on Washington" and so on...nah. Wouldn't happen. Besides, the Russians sent up Laika right after the US sent up Ham. Just a silly article trying to make something out of nothing.