What's the big deal about sending a teacher in space?

Question

I don't get it, why a "teacher". Couldn't you just as well send a garbage man, or a waiter, or a prison warden?

Answer 1

A teacher demands a certain level of respect compared with those other professions you mention.

She held class at least twice (that I saw), from the ISS to students on the ground -- mostly Q&A format, though. There were some demo's that I saw.

Ask yourself this: would schoolkids have paid attention to a waiter -- in space, or not? could a waiter have answered all of their questions about space flight and space science?

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Answer 2

You'd expect a teacher to use this exerience as a tool & teach others. You wouldn't expect the same from a garbage man, a waiter, or a warden.

Answer 3

That was the dumbest idea that Ronald Reagan ever had. I think that whole thing was so stupid. They could have just as soon as sent a garbage man because she didn't do anything but get stupid questions from little kids like "how do you drink in space" then the astronauts did the usual goofy crap with sucking up globules of liquid floating around to the glee and giggles of all the little kiddies. Like they actually drink like that in space? Get real! I knew this was a lame idea twenty years ago.

Answer 4

It's the "ordinary joe" factor, previously you needed to hold a doctorate in engineering + be a test pilot to get a shot at space flight. But NASA, couldn't really send up just any old joe, they needed some one who could justify the expense of training. So the ideal candidate was a teacher (despite this one not having taught in over a decade)

Answer 5

Garbage men, waiters, or prison wardens-all honorable professions-don't have the opportunity or ability to inspire a generation of future scientists and astronauts.

Answer 6

The original program was to send a regular person as opposed to a former test pilot, etc.
NASA debated on sending either a journalist or teacher to best convey to the public what they were experiencing. The probably settled on teacher for the PR benefits.

Answer 7

Yes, I sort of see your point. But it was more important this time because the last teacher died in Challenger disaster in 1986 (Christa McAuliffe, 37). The lady that went up successfully this time (Barbara Morgan, 55) was originally McAuliffe's back-up all those years ago. It's made more poignant because of this.

Answer 8

On the Challenger space shuttle there was a teacher who was supposed to be the first teacher in space. but as you know the space shuttle disaster occurred so she did not become the first teacher into space. this is important becuase this teacher now is the first teacher in space.

Answer 9

Prior to the teacher it was a US Senator.

HTH

Charles

Answer 10

yes you could send anyone. however sending a teacher is good p.r, and the more p.r, the more nasa's budget increases!