Posted on 04/12/2013 6:30:36 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
The exploration team used Remotely Operated Vehicles to find the engines, which sat on the ocean floor, more than 14,000 feet below sea level. Bezos described the experience as "otherworldly," noting the engines' burial site was eerily similar to space: a feeling of microgravity and a seemingly endless black horizon.
After decades of exposure to the ocean's harsh conditions, the engines are corroded, and many are missing the original serial numbers. This will make the identification process more difficult. Bezos will work with NASA to restore two of the F-1 engines' hardware and prevent further corrosion. They will eventually go on public display.
"Nearly one year ago, Jeff Bezos shared with us his plans to recover F-1 engines that helped power Apollo astronauts to the moon in the late 1960s and early 1970s," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden in a statement. "We share the excitement expressed by Jeff and his team in announcing the recovery of two of the powerful Saturn V first-stage engines from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean."
While Bezos worked closely with NASA on the recovery mission, the effort was 100% privately funded and no public funding was used. However, NASA still claims full ownership of the F-1 engines.
"All of NASA’s interactions were characterized by plain old common sense, something which we all know is impressive and uncommon," wrote Bezos. "We're excited to be bringing a couple of your F-1s home."
This isn't the first space-related project Bezos has sunk his teeth into. The billionaire has his own private space company called Blue Origin and invests heavily in futuristic projects. Last November, Bezos put up $42 million to build a 10,000-year clock in the mountains near one of his homes.
(Excerpt) Read more at mashable.com ...
Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos aims to bring up Apollo 11’s sunken engines
Cosmic Log (MSNBC) | 03/28/2012 | Alan Boyle
Posted on 03/28/2012 5:24:03 PM PDT by Pyro7480
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2865187/posts
NASA tests vintage Apollo 11 rocket engine for ideas for new US missions
Fox News | Jan 24, 2013 | AP
Posted on 01/24/2013 5:34:29 PM PST by Islander7
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2981600/posts
"The precious. We wants it back."
I'll go one hundred, that's it.
Well, that sounds useful. Then again, it's his money to spend...
Thank you.
I went to the link and looked at all the photos.
WOW.
In a world where everyone if being affected by the economy, and the government is trillions in debt, where does one get $42 million to just throw around ?
You don’t say. I’d rather he spent the money supporting the TEA Party, but hey, rusted rocket engines ARE important.
Private citizen can do this,
While bo grounds perfectly functioning shuttles.
Insane (not really, demonic).
I like what what Paul Allen is doing with his Fighter Heritage Collection.
The B-25 Mitchell they just finished restoring is beyond magnificent.
Rusted junk.
At least it’s no longer polluting the ocean.
Instead of spending on the tea party he spent millions to get gay marriage passed in WA state. Bezos not a good man.
Must be one hell of a clock, eh? :’) Of course, the joke’s on him — after 10,000 years of inflation, no one will be able to afford to replace the batteries when they run out.
It’s funny how we are already carrying out archeological expeditions to search for the ruins of our own failed civilization instead of building the future.
Heh. That's forward thinking, right there. [smile]
Well, this is way cooler than most billionaires’ hobbies, like buying ranches or yachts.
Agreed.
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