Pendleton@UTAH-20@sri-unix.UUCP (07/21/83)
From: Pendleton@UTAH-20 (Bob Pendleton)
The real problem with comparing current developments in space travel
with the history of the exploration and exploitation of the New World
is lack of perspective. Remember that the ship construction and
navigation technology needed to carry large payloads to the New World
had existed for ( memory don't fail me now ) about 100 years before
1492. Yet I can remember the launching of Sputnik and I'm only
thirty. Compared to the exploration of the New World space exploration
is proceeding at an incredible pace.
The people trying to find new trade routes to India were doing it
for financial and political gain ( trade=money, money=power ). The
spice route of space in the 1980s is the road to GEO. Communication
satellites make money and businesses are willing to pay for
transportation. This creates a market for transportation. A market
large enough to justify the development of Ariane and in part the
Shuttle. Even the Soviets are getting into the market offering their
Proton booster. Pure scientific research is something that
governments support because they have always made money off of it in
the past and it often gives them a military edge.
As markets and technology ( each driving the other ) develop I have
confidence that cheap space craft, space suits, habitats... will be
developed to meet the demand.
The cynical ex history major
Bob Pendleton
P.S.
If you can get it insured, I'll ride in it or live in it.
P.P.S
This is not intended as a flame.
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