The world has been patiently watching the unfolding saga of the Chilean miners trapped in a mine. Chilean miners nevertheless alive. Nobody knew how or when they would be rescued though. Officials and advisers from NASA have been dispatched to the site to offer any advice they can to the miners and rescue crews. The Chilean miners could be there a when. Months would be required. There is a rescue shaft getting drilled although it is taking a when.
Chile gets NASA in there
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has sent staff to the site of the Chilean mine disaster in an advisory role. The role of NASA engineers and scientists will be assisting the delivery of necessary supplies to the miners stuck 2,200 feet underground. According to the Washington Post, there are three four inch-wide tubes that reach down to the chamber the 33 men are in. One tube pumps in oxygen, one more sends supplies, and the third tube for video conferencing, so miners can communicate with loved ones. Trying to receive everything down a four inch tube is the real problem.
Encouragement and advice that is given
The Washington Post recently conducted an interview with Jerry Linenger, a previous National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut. The Mir space station in 1997 trapped three Astronauts with a fire, although Linenger was the only American there. Linenger stressed that the men have to keep themselves busy, but also not to obtain expectations too high. If things don’t go also as they hope, the miners might end up with despair and depression. He explained that it is very important work as a team. There shouldn’t be any one person in charge of everything.
Looking toward Camp Hope
There is a camp made up of rescue workers, family members and support staff that is called Camp Hope. The mining business may have to go bankrupt soon as it is seeking some forgiveness. There are no wages for the contained miners. It will not pay for the wages.
more information on this subject
Washington Post
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/27/AR2010082704867.html?waporef=obinsite
Washington Post
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2010/08/31/ST2010083106253.html?sid=ST2010083106253
