FUI

This story has been blown wayyyy out of proportion by the news media. There is barely a story here, or, if there is, the facts are not in yet. There is a report that some astronauts were drinking at some time before launch and that it is being investigated by NASA. Fair enough. But an "investigation" is not an accusation. No information has been given as to how long before a launch the alleged drinking took place -- the night before? the week before? Minutes before lift-off? Nor has anyone said how much alcohol was consumed -- a couple of beers? A fifth of scotch? A half-gallon of vodka at one sitting?

It has been revealed that one of these "incidents" took place before a flight originating in Russia, in the company of some Cosmonauts. The cultural norms in Russia are totally different from American standards. Where taking a drink prior to liftoff would be, at the very least, frowned upon and criticized here, it's traditional among Russians. If it was just one toast to a succesful mission, even if it was on the morning of the launch, it would have been disrespectful and rude for the American astronauts not to take part.

This is basically a non-story, at least until after the investigation is complete and all the facts are in.

I don't begrudge Laika her last toot.