Lunar elevators

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, "Andrew Goddard"
wrote:
> But all I read about Bush's vision makes it look like
> another flag-planting exercise without the mass to turn it into
> something wholesome.

I'm inclined to agree. I think his time frame for Mars is rather
long, when we could do it within ten years if we do it the Zubrin
way. Even if we don't use Mars Direct, I think we could still pull
it off long before his 2030 date. He also doesn't have any plan on
how to pay for the whole venture. Hopefully phasing out the Space
Shuttle will save a bundle of money, and private contractors can come
up with a cheaper launch vehicle.

But, on the other hand, the National Space Society is 100% behind
Bush's move, and even boasts that the space initiative is EXACTLY
what NSS has campaigned for. I guess NSS knows a bit more than I do
about how to get us into space. Their board of governors includes
such folks as Buzz Aldrin, Freeman Dyson, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ben
Bova. I usually take them seriously.
>
> Regards,
>
> Andy Goddard

Umm, stupid question...you're not related to Robert H.??

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