T1B

After Russia meteor strike, Rep. Lamar Smith plans hearing on threats from space

San Antonio Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, called the bus-sized meteor that crashed near the Russian city of Chelyabinsk a “stark reminder of the need to invest in space science.”

He noted that a large asteroid, Asteroid 2012 DA14, is also passing just 17,000 miles from Earth today, “less than the distance of a round trip from New York to Sydney.” And he announced that he’ll hold a hearing in coming weeks “to examine ways to better identify and address asteroids that pose a potential threat to Earth.”

The Russia meteor injured more than 1,000 people, destroying buildings and creating — let’s be honest — some of the coolest dashboard camera footage in history. (Why do so many Russians have dashboard cameras?)

“Developing technology and research that enable us to track objects like Asteroid 2012 DA14 is critical to our future,” Smith said in a statement. “We should continue to invest in systems that identify threatening asteroids and develop contingencies, if needed, to change the course of an asteroid headed toward Earth.
( :? I thought we already had that...what about Bruce Willis?)

“Fifty years ago, we would have had no way of seeing an asteroid like this coming. Now, thanks to the discoveries NASA has made in its short history, we have known about 2012 DA14 for about a year. As the world leader in space exploration, America has made great progress for mankind. But our work is not done. We should continue to study, research, and explore space to better understand our universe and better protect our planet.”

Wolfman wrote:Word has leaked out that the crux of his plan will be for President Obama to travel to the target area and deliver a speech. All the hot air will divert any asteroid and keep planet earth safe.

Mikey wrote:Good to know that great promoter of science and technology, Lamar Smith (R-TX) is now on the job finding ways to pertect us'ns from dangerous asteroids.

Martyred wrote:There's nothing "LTS" about calling bullshit on the Pentagon's boasts about being able to hit a bullet with another bullet.

This is without any comparison the biggest tax swindle ever contemplated by the defense industry. Ever.

Martyred wrote:

Mikey wrote:Good to know that great promoter of science and technology, Lamar Smith (R-TX) is now on the job finding ways to pertect us'ns from dangerous asteroids.

Bullshit.

This is just re-packaged "Star Wars" missile defense nonsense that GOP hawks have been trying to ram down people's throats since the 80's.

They will never stop flogging this colossal wate of taxpayer money.
Oh wait...Wasting tax dollars is the plan.

Martyred wrote:There's nothing "LTS" about calling bullshit on the Pentagon's boasts about being able to hit a bullet with another bullet.

This is without any comparison the biggest tax swindle ever contemplated by the defense industry. Ever.

Cuda wrote:

Putin will save us from the big, bad asteroids

mvscal wrote:

Martyred wrote:There's nothing "LTS" about calling bullshit on the Pentagon's boasts about being able to hit a bullet with another bullet.

It's not a boast. It's done all the time, idiot.

smackaholic wrote:
I mean think about it, hitting a bullet with a bullet? That's crazy talk.

Mikey wrote:

smackaholic wrote:
I mean think about it, hitting a bullet with a bullet? That's crazy talk.

Raylan Givens could do it.