A little known fact is that Russian cosmonauts have been packing heat in space for the last 20 years. Russia is sending a cosmonaut into space without their "space pistol" for the first time since 1986. This is due to the fact that there isn't any ammunition available for it. The gun's original ammunition has deteriorated so much that it is no longer viable and no new bullets are available. In 1982, the Russians developed the TP-82, which was developed to carry into space but not to be used to fend off hostile outer space aliens. Instead, the purpose was to protect the cosmonauts in case they landed back on Earth in a hostile area. This pistol fires hunting rounds as well as rifle bullets and signal flares. The butt serves as a machete and a spade.
Currently, Russian cosmonauts have a standard Russian made pistol aboard their Soyuz space capsule. American astronauts are unarmed at their space station, so the Russians are one up on us when it comes to arms in space. NASA believes that there is no need for a weapon in space. I wonder if Lisa Nowak differs with NASA's opinion?
Bob
2 comments:
Lisa Nowak's gun of preference was the Daisy BB gun. BB guns are less dangerous weapons than actual guns or rifles but should never be aimed a fatso bodies.
You failed to mention this gun is a triple barrel weapon. The 2 top chambers fire 12.5mm shot shells or flares while the bottom single chamber fires a 5.45mm shell. The reason for combining a shotgun, flare gun and pistol all in one was for weight consideration.
Lee
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