Rocket Scientists Can't Spell

The geniuses over at NASA have had their share of PR nightmares recently. First, there was the story of astronaut Lisa Nowak, the butt of late-night TV diaper jokes. (Nowak may not have been wearing diapers after all, but that’s another story.)

Then, the usually discreet Texas Monthly published the infamous “Astronaut Sex!” cover, which, as it turns out, may be the worst selling issue in the magazine’s history.

Now, NASA misspells the name of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The banner with the typo was quickly replaced, but not before someone got off a photo of the Americanized spelling.

So, why does NASA use the British spelling anyway? Is it the same reason strip malls are often called “shopping centres” or Brits narrate insurance commercials? Seriously, an English accent can make any dumb ass idea sound respectable or civilized.

Actually, it turns out that the Endeavour is named after the first ship commanded by 18th century Captain James Cook. An honourable tribute, indeed, but the Captain probably wouldn’t have minded if NASA modernized the name. — Russell Cobb