Hypothetica in the US

The thing about 'the public' is that they don't think O'Neill's plan makes
any sense. I'm not talking about investors or scientists, I'm talking about
everybody else (or most of them). Saying, "We'll get 100% return in 15-20
years," somehow translates into, "Someday 100 years from now people will be
living in space to explore more of it." The reason why such a radical
translation is produced is because people simply don't think living in space
would ever happen in their lifetime, why should they even care. The reason
why people like mars as opposed to a return to the moon is because mars
doesn't make those promises. A voyage to Mars makes this promise: 20 years,
2-3 trips, 5 people, year-long mission, lots of science, pride to Americans,
may find life. A return to the moon says this: lots of money, little base,
not for science, little manufacturing at first, 20 years, promise of
continued expansion, SPS, island one, island twos, Joe Blowe in space,
island threes, new age for humanity, somewhere in there mars, pluto, mercury
etc. People often need a good deal of support to believe an expensive moon
base, which would not do science (I think it would) since we have already
been to the mooon, could possibly produce a society in space. Mars? People
could watch the television: sci-fi, specials, and advertisements for
products ranging from Lego to cars; all of it, about mars. Unfortunately,
that is enough support for most people. People don't even vote on space,
many would laugh at such a proposition. So it wouldn't matter for a good
while.
It might be more beneficial to, instead of proclaiming a return to the
moon, talk about the wonders of SPS (without mentioning confusing space
habitats, but somehow getting across that one day, soon enough, Joe Blowe
can come live in space), and mention on the side the moon missions required
to start it. The one thing about this approach is that you'd have to look
out for the oil gurus (could they have anything to do with our situation?)
If it seems I am talking nonsense, consider what the average person who
cares little about space, but does support a mars mission, would think.
That is who the message seems to be aimed toward.

[mailto:hollroa@...

>>>>>>>In the mind of the public, Mars is sexy, the Moon is passe' (and
everything that could ever be known about the Moon was completely
investigated and settled by the Apollo missions), and NEOs are... well...
what did you say a NEO is? Is that some new type of music? :)>>>>>>>>

The public are likely to be most impressed by a space program that
incorporates the following aspects:

1) After an initial large investment, the program will pay for its own
expansion and will produce a return, through the sale of useful space
products, like SPS's. Large space budgets will not be required in order to
maintain the program in the long run.

2) The program will permit ordinary human beings (Mr Joe Bloggs) to
emigrate and work in space.

The first point represents the most important difference between O'Neill
and Zubrin programs. The O'Neill program was specifically designed to
produce a return on investment. The Zubrin plan makes no such promises. The
possibility of financial return, is what makes the O'Neill plan at all
possible. Even though Bob Zubrins Mars direct plan could probably be
implemented for 1/4-1/3rd the price of O'neills, Zubrins mars direct plan
is probably insupportable in the medium and long term. This is the idea
that needs to be put across to the politicians. O'Neills plan could
conceivably give a 100% return on investment within 15-20 years. It is
backed up with by excellent business economics.
The second point is what will sell the idea to the public.

What the O'Neill idea lacks is a vocal figure head. In terms of both
government and private investment, it should be much easier to attract
attention with the O'Neill plan rather than the Zubrin plan. You refer to
Mars as being 'sexy', but at the end of the day, the thing that is most
'sexy' to US businessmen is money. There is simply no money to be earned
from Zubrins plan. In 15 years time the bottom will have fallen out of it.

Tony

Learn how to use your computer and the internet to set up an online
business, from the comfort of your own home. Get full details here: