WTF?? NPR: On space station, Russians, Americans bickering over food, toilets

[HamdenRice]

Did anyone else hear that pathetic news report this morning? I caught only part of it and I don't think they provide transcripts.

But the gist of it is that because of budget and other disputes, the Russians and Americans are bickering over things like food, toilets and exercise machines on the international space station.

The sides are even disagreeing over what's going on. But the Russians say the Americans won't let them use the American toilet or exercise machines. The Russians are not allowed to eat American food, and the Americans are not allowed to eat Russian food.

Part of the dispute has to do with the Americans being annoyed with the Russians selling "space tourism" rides to the super wealthy.

The Russians claim also that not enough science is getting done to justify the costs.

Segregated toilets on the international space station?!?! Is there any symbol more depressing of our capacity not to get along?

For scientists and space administrators to let it get to this is very, very sad and immature.

[C_U_L8R]

1. Did somebody not put the seat down?

[HamdenRice]

2. At first, I thought it was a hygiene thing also

:rofl:

But apparently it's policy/budget disputes that they are playing out up in space.

[amyrose2712]

3. Yea. heard this last week, kinda sad huh? nt

[shireen]

4. the bickering is on the ground btwn bureaucrats, not astro/cosmonauts

The comments were made by a cosmonaut on the ground just before he was launched, not from one who is already up there. He was referring to the regulations imposed by nutty managers.

Once they're up there, apparently, except for sleeping quarters, everything is communal.

http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/090401-space-station-sharing.html
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2009/04/what-rules-prohibit-astronauts.html

[sakabatou]

6. The bureaucrats should get a time-out and have to sit in the corner

No milk and graham-crackers either.

[shireen]

7. i'd like to throw them into a space station without a working toilet. nt

[PetrusMonsFormicarum]

5. To top it all off,

Apparently, the entire station smells like poop.