Critical time

--- In spacesettlers@y..., Ian Woollard wrote:
> Mark Collins wrote:
>
> > This has also been recognised by the Mars Direct/Zubrin
supporters.
> > Here in the UK there has been an endless stream of Mars
> > exploration/possible manned mission documentary programs. I have
not
> > seen one single program about the SSI and/or Gerard O'Neill and
his
> > ideas. If things continue in this vein the all will be lost and
space
> > development will spend more decades in the doldrums.
>
> This is a good point. We need to consider how to push this in
> a suitable way. In order to do this, we need to consider, not
> whether they need to make a program. But why they need to make
> a program NOW.
>
> > I have emailed and telephoned various media about this in the UK
and
> > I will see if I get anywhere.
>
> Yes, who did you go for?
>
> Horizon? Equinox?
>

I have emailed the BBC at horizon@... and phoned channel 4 on a
telephone number provided on their web-site.

> > My question is - is this Mars coverage situation and lack of
coverage
> > of other ideas the same in all countries? Is anyone else in this
> > group trying to change this in the same way I am??
>
> Sounds good. Need a stategy with a human interest angle. And it
needs
> to be coherent around a single issue.
>
> e.g. start with MIR/ISS and slide to manned occupation of space
> via asteroids. Mention asteroids as a resource that can help
> stop meteorites destroying the earth. Mention the eggs in one
> basket angle, and the usefulness of nuclear fusion power (i.e.
> sunlight!)
>

I think that O'Neill's original idea of Solar Power Satellites is
still the best. It addresses a huge market and potential revenue
while at the same time bringing the benefit of environmentally clean
and endless energy supply.

> > I despair of the unfairness of it all!! Let's get out of this rut
of
> > expensive one off spectaculars and get some real work done in
space!!
>
> Mind you; no amount of TV will get the 2 billion or so necessary to
> start mining the moon. Only a killer commercial idea and
demonstration
> of enough tech to actually make it work will do that.

SPS is already getting some interest -however we need to persuade the
relevant people that the best way to produce them is in Space using
extra-terrestrial materials.

Finally the argument should be presented that space colonies present
the best living area for an expanding human society - using all the
arguments of O'Neill.

Let's face it with today's special effects O'Neill style colonies
would present some pretty spectacular imagery.

>
> > Mark
> >
> --
> - Ian Woollard (ian.woollard@t...)
>
> "Is a planetary surface the right place for an expanding
technological