On Tuesday June 14 the House Science Committee’s space subcommittee has scheduled a hearing titled “Live from Space: The International Space Station”. The three witnesses are all astronauts with ISS experience: Michael Fincke, Peggy Whitson, and John Phillips. Of course, Phillips is actually on ISS right now; as the schedule notes, he will be “testifying live from Low Earth Orbit.” [emphasis in original]. Question: while past Congressional hearings have included witnesses appearing via teleconference, is this the first time a hearing has featured someone testifying from space?
Ahh just wait till they have to deal with the 4 to 20 minute delay from Mars
Would they make a special session when Mars and Earth are at is closest?
“Mr. Brown, please answer the question, if you don’t answer immedately, you’ll be found in contempt of congress!”
Okay more seriousness, not the first time this has happened:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_pasa/is_200107/ai_1293343776
Matthew is correct that the House planned a live session in 2001, but that event was later cancelled. As far as I know this is the first time either chamber has talked directly to ISS.
And, of course, President Bush did something similar when he announced his Vision for Space Exploration.
— Donald
That’s pretty neat.
It’s a dog and pony show if there ever was one.
NASA has issued a press release about the upcoming hearing. The release calls it “the first-ever Congressional testimony from space.”