Hello Gang,
I understand that Arthur C. Clarke's Novel "Prelude To
Space" has been optioned as a possible motion picture. I always enjoyed
that novel. I read it again two months ago. Anybody know what the story
line is going to be? Will "Interplanetary" be aiming to send the
Astronauts to the Moon as in the novel or on to Mars to update the plot
a bit.

The novel had some very interesting technological concepts such as using
a electromagnetically launched Shuttle using a Nuclear Ramjet. Not bad
for a novel written in 1947. Most of the concepts developed in the novel
were based on the pioneering work of Cleaver and Shepherd on Nuclear
Rockets. Their British Interplanetary Society paper is a classic. But,
according to Ron Miller in his book "The Dream Machines" Val Cleaver (to
whom the book is dedicated) criticized the nuclear Ramjet concept.
Cleaver calculated that at an altitude of 100 miles and moving at 10,000
mph the intake of the ramjet would have to be several million times
greater than the rocket. Anybody know anything about this?

Besides the technology, the novel had some very interesting
philosophical arguments concerning spaceflight reminiscent of the
classic debate between C.S. Lewis and A.C. Clarke.

Its a great novel, if you haven't read it go out and find a second hand
copy.

Alex

Oh Joy,

Another book for Hollywood to screw up.

sigh.

brett

Alex Michael Bonnici wrote:

In a message dated 8/27/05 12:34:18 PM, bmaillists@... writes:

<< Oh Joy,

Another book for Hollywood to screw up.

sigh.

brett >>

Once in a while Hollywood dose improves on a book. See Godfather part 1 and
2. Some might disagrees with me but I also think the film of Lord of the
Rings was also an improvement as it streamlines the core story.

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