<stuff about computers snipped>
> The entire avionics suite is interesting. (7,000 pounds of wire and
> connectors, for starters.) Makes you wonder what could be done with 1998
> technology. Wirt already pointed out that the Shuttle program was started
> in 1972, but reading statistics like that really brings home the
> difference in technology.
>
> -- Bruce>
>
  <media frenzy snipped>

Howdy,

Not sure I have a point here, but then I rarely do.  Ask my ex-wife.

Back when Johnny Glen took is historical ride it was atop an Atlas
rocket.  The design for the Atlas goes back to I don't know when
(early '50,s)but they didn't use computers they used slide rules.  The Atlas
came about as an ICBM (Intercontinental Balllistic Missle) to drop
atomic bombs hither thither and yon upon the dreaded Ruskies, for those
who go back far enough to remember when that was a popular thing to do. They
pulled the bomb off one, stuck Glenn on top and whoosh, instant hero.

Bruce ponders 1998 technology so I thought I would take a look for him,
having the opportunity and all.  I work for Computer Sciences Corp doing
IS stuff for Lockheed Martin in Harlingen, Tx.  Here they produce payload
fairings, thrust structures, interstage adapters and other big stuff for
Titan
Centaur and Atlas Centar missiles, so I just sort of dropped my hayseed
IS hat and wandered out on the shop floor.  Went over and actually
put my hand on an Atlas rocket.  Yep the motors, avionics and other
misc stuff has changed, like some parts are now composites instead
of metal but the basic design is still the same - rivets and all.  Still
goes into space with satellites now instead of bombs or people and we
haven't blown one up since 1990 or so.

So what can we do for 1998?  Bring J. Glenn on down, pull the Centaur off
the Atlas, stick John on top and light the fire, the result being a wondrous
rush of nostalgia for us old folks.  What with the new motors and his age
and all it would probably squash 'im like a bug.

So, lemme see here....some things change, somethings don't, some
change a little and some just fade away.  So what's new?

Guess I'll go back to grazing on the Jimpson weed.

J.t.

PS.  After my shop tour, in a fit of nostagia I poked about the web for
five minutes looking for a slide rule like I had in electronics school back
in 1969.  All I found were used ones.  Hmmmm.....well back to the
HP 3000/9000.