In the early stages of spaceflight, NASA developed a technique that saved much needed fuel to return space craft back to Earth by using the moonâs orbit like a slingshot. Astronauts in space and ground control would lose radio signal once the space craft makes its way to the âback-sideâ of the moon and away from line of sight with Earth. They would of course regain radio signal when they reach the other side of the moon (the âflip sideâ). It was customary for Ground Control to say âCatch you on the flip sideâ before they would lose radio signal.
The none-space working-class community adapted the phrase as a âgood-byeâ or âsee you later.â
(Iâm about to lose contact with you. Time will pass. Iâve re-established contact.)
With that being said: âIâll catch you on the flip side!â
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