NASA names Node 3, 'Serenity'
POSTED BY: Haken
UPDATED: Monday, April 13, 2009 20:26
VIEWED: 21560
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WASHINGTON -- NASA, in response to Stephen Colberts threat against the agency, and after a lengthy deliberation amongst NASA administrators and the congressional committee responsible for overseeing the naming of the ISS Node 3, NASA officials made their decision to go with the name 'Serenity' instead of the write-in name, 'Colbert,' after Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert.
"We take these threats against NASA very seriously," said an official at the space agency, referring to Colbert's warning against NASA Monday night on the 'Colbert Report' where Colbert demanded the node be named after him or he will "seize power as space's evil tyrant overlord."
'Colbert' beat out 'Serenity' in NASA's online poll by 230,000 votes after Colbert urged his fans to add his name as a write-in. "Well you voted, folks and look what happened," Colbert said Monday evening on his show. "Unfortunately, Houston may have a problem with it."
"Yes, most definitely we have a problem with it," said a spokesman for NASA. "And it's not what most people think. 'Colbert' is a very difficult name to say correctly," he added. "It took us half the day just to get it right, and these are scientists and engineers--America's brightest. They all thought it was like 'Dilbert,' but it's actually more like 'Cold Bear' and we didn't want people thinking that the module was Russian."
Set to be delivered to the International Space Station in 2010 by the shuttle, Endeavour, Node 3 is the most advanced life support system ever flown in space. The multi billion dollars Node 3 will recycle waste water, generate oxygen, and remove atmospheric contaminants on board the ISS.
Also contained within Node 3 is the $19 million dollars Waste and Hygiene Compartment (toilet), which has now been thrust into the spotlight because of the naming fiasco.
When asked whether the toilet will carry the 'Colbert' moniker, NASA officials declined to make any official announcements, but inside sources says it's a possibility.
"The capability of the WHC exceeds all similar devices on this planet in its ability to vacuum up and prevent the extrication of human waste," said T.D. Boles, a NASA sanitary engineer. "It'll be an honor to have Colbert's name on it. The residence of the ISS will find comfort knowing their wastes are going to the right place for safe keeping."
Firefly Browncoats and fellow Whedonites are estatic about the announcement. "It was tough going for a while, but we floated like a leaf on the wind and it turned out great," said a fan. "We survive and sometimes actually win some."
No strangers at slaying evil tyrant overlords, Josh Whedon, creator of 'Firefly.' is honored that Node 3 will be named, 'Serenity.'
"It's great," said Whedon, "Shiny even. Shiny, shiny. Here, watch me do the Happy Dance."
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The satinary engineer TD Boles prompted suspicion.
Also have not heard Joss say Shiny to the press.
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Very well written though. 
http://www.swyzzlestyx.com/index.html
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LOL that time of year again. Good one.
"Gorramit Mal... I've forgotten my line."
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Quote:
Originally posted by jewelstaitefan:
The satinary engineer TD Boles prompted suspicion.
Also have not heard Joss say Shiny to the press.
LOL...yeah...I didn't want it sounding too real.
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Oh this was just wonderful news! It sounds as if Colbert is a jerk so if the toilet does get his name on it I can't think of a better place to flush all the effluent. And we get Node 3 named Serenity, how totally cool is that? Yay! I am joining Joss in a Happy Dance! Plus the name Serenity actually goes with the names of the other nodes perfectly so it's a win for the good guys.
Ali D :~)
You can't take the sky from me...
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Bravo Haken! You got me. LOL
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Had me going for a moment :-)
If nothing else the mispelling of "Josh Whedon" should have alerted you that a largish pinch of salt was required :-)
Nick
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Haken, you almost had me honey! I've been away FAR too long... 
~Astriana~
...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.
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Gorramit, that was a cruel joke. I swallowed it hook, line and sinker because I wanted the node to be named Serenity so much and not stupid Colbert. It being April 1st I should have expected it was a wind up. Sigh.
Ali D :~)
You can't take the sky from me...
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