Didn’t these people watch 2001: A Space Odyssey?
Dave: Open the pod bay doors, HAL.
HAL: I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.
Dave: What’s the problem?
HAL: I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do.
So apparently the new Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) that is being developed for our much neglected return to the moon is going to be able to navigate on its own. The premise is to be able to dock with the lunar lander if the crew (who will all be on the lander) are unable to perform the docking maneuvers.
[HAL won't let Dave into the ship]
Dave: All right, HAL; I’ll go in through the emergency airlock.
HAL: Without your space helmet, Dave, you’re going to find that rather difficult.
Dave: HAL, I won’t argue with you anymore! Open the doors!
HAL: Dave, this conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye.
Last year, they were telling us how they are getting system computers to update crews on the craft’s status.
[on Dave's return to the ship, after HAL has killed the rest of the crew]
HAL: Look Dave, I can see you’re really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over.
Are the people writing specs at NASA just sitting around watching Stanley Kubrick movies?
Hat tip to IMDB for the movie line quotes
