It is amazing that people with such Technological and scientific backgrounds really do think a certain number is 'dangerous', but note no one says well 7 is a lucky number, and every Chinese person knows that well, so why not call various space flights 7 or 7 x 7 or 77 etc.

"NASA wanted the space shuttle Endeavour last year to launch on July 7, 2007 at 7 p.m. (the seventh hour or the seventh day of the seventh month...)"

Technically it would have been the _19th_ hour on the seventh day...

This is odd. As for cosmonauts why isn't 11 an unlucky number since the Soyuz 11 blew up and killed 3 of them.

I think they should resist giving in to superstition considering the science necessary to put this together. In any case, it is still the 13th regardless of what they call it.

Meh. Who cares, seriously? Technically, naming it 14 won't change the fact that it's the 13th. But whatever makes them happy. Historically, those most disposed to exploring new places tend to also be predisposed to a significant amount of superstition. A small thing to have to deal with for a short time considering the doors being opened for our species.

Monday's a superstition? I thought it was just a pain in the ass...

"Baikonur? We have a problem."

After the explosion aboard Apollo 13, one can understand astronauts and cosmonauts being a little uncomfortable about the number.

This is hilarious to find ridiculous superstitions among some of the smartest people in the world.

Funny. I would expect these beliefs from a bunch of uneducated fools, not these scientific types. I guess it says a lot about social conditioning though. As children, they were drilled with superstitious nonsense, and despite being smart people, still cling to silly childish beliefs. I guess that explains religion most of the time.

I'm with Vastet on this one - to each their own. Personally, I think superstitions have much more to do with cultural/social upbringing than one's level of intelligence. Anyway, if a simple thing like a mission name change can put minds at ease then what's the problem? The last thing those folks need is more tension.