"Even if the engines never work, they are only a backup to propulsion
capability usually provided by visiting vehicles docked to the aft port," he
explained in an e-mail. "The loss of these engines has no impact on station
operations - the Russians were just curious if they would work after so
long, and they have their answer."

Why doesn't this make me feel good.....they build backup systems for a
reason. Obviously you never want to use them (otherwise they're not
backup systems they're primary systems more or less) but it's sure
nice to know they'll work to save your butt if/when the need arises.

I'm just a computer jock here at a hospital system, but I can tell you
if our backup power systems in the data center don't pass the routine
tests we have for them we fix them pretty quick, if they are needed
and DON'T perform, I'm pretty sure a few of my co-workers will be
looking for a "new situation" as it was put by Charles Dickens a while
ago pretty soon after it fails.

What other "non-essential" backup systems don't function as expected
at this point?
===[George R. Kasica]=== +1 262 677 0766
President +1 206 374 6482 FAX
Netwrx Consulting Inc. Jackson, WI USA
http://www.netwrx1.com

ICQ #12862186
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