Let's Play Politics

> Environmentalists are an excellent market for serious backers, and
> they're willing to work hard and raise the flags of alert so desparately
> needed.
>
> The moon offers nothing that could substantially benefit either earth's
> environment or its economic health.
>
> The idea that the moon is easy is just a part of the current mythology
> so many space enthusiasts cling to.

George,

It is possible you've missed the point. The specific goal of the
legislation I outlined is a moon base. You could easily make it an 'SPS
facility generating X megawatts of power' or '3 men to orbit'.

But shooting for the moon (pun) gives us several things that can be
reused anywhere. A launch infrastructure that is cheaper than we have
now. A working method for keeping people alive in space for years at a
time, far from earth.* Transport to the moon that works.

Once you have all of this the temptation would be to re-use it for other
tasks. SPS. Factories in the sky. And so on.

I never said it was easy - what worthwhile thing is - but it is doable.
And if it is not then we've spent nothing of consequence.

Brian Dunbar
System Administrator
Liftport

brian.dunbar@...
aim: bdunbar1967

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Remember.
But move forward, too. Light a candle, yes. But also drive a rivet.
~Lileks