REM%MIT-MC@sri-unix.UUCP (01/22/84)
From: Robert Elton Maas <REM @ MIT-MC>
Reagan wants to ''recapture the vision of Apollo'' and is seeking
the best way to do that, said the White House science adviser, George
A. Keyworth.
The president hinted at his direction in a speech last October on
NASA's 25th anniversary. He challenged the agency to develop more
visionary long-term goals instead of just focusing on winning approval
of a permanent manned space station.
''We're not just concerned about the next logical step in space,''
Reagan said. ''We're planning an entire road, a 'high road' if you
will, that will provide us a vision of limitless hope and
opportunity.''
(1) From the above statements, it appears Reagan might actually be "in
his heart" on our side in the expansion of the human race into space,
and he seems to be giving us an invitation to send him our dreams for
a gallactic society that can suvive and prosper even after our sun
burns itself out 5-10 billion years hence. How about us make up
letters where we give the quote above, then describe our dreams/hopes
for space development, and conclude with what steps need to be taken
next to avoid elaying the overall plan?
(2) Re space station vs. moon base: Early setters made a wise
decision, establishing way stations about one day's (sun-up to sun
down) journay apart, so the traveller could rest and possibly get
equipment repaired and medical problems cured before going out alone
again. For really long journies into the unknown of course this is
infesible, for example the trip by covered wagon from Missouri to
Oregon. But for journies that are just a few days long, waystations
are a great convenience for the travelers. Thus I think Aldrin is
wrong in pushing for a moon base before the way stations (one in LEO,
one in LLO, and perhaps one in GEO) are established.
Rebuttal/discussion/debate welcome.