The primary objective of space exploration will be to get somewhere. Hence, space stations will exist primarily as depots for r&r. Experimentation within stations makes for wise economy, but let's not delude ourselves as to the importance of a station.

Moreover, a confident and capable program -- even in its infancy -- could accomplish short trips without a space station. Such as, oh... say, a visit to the moon.

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to establish a way-station until we've shown we can make it from point A to point B. And back.

• You have the tortoise and the hare reversed - pmartin - November 22, 2001 - 18:54 UTC
  • Mir was sour grapes, Part 2 ('Beta') - luis_hamburgh - November 23, 2001 - 08:06 UTC
    • I will concede numbers (2)& (4) - pmartin - November 23, 2001 - 20:50 UTC
      • Fair enough - luis_hamburgh - November 23, 2001 - 21:40 UTC
        • Truce. (nt) - pmartin - November 23, 2001 - 23:10 UTC
    • Luis, Soviets never had moon landing program. - alexander - November 24, 2001 - 00:27 UTC
      • Alex, are you ever right about anything not formulaic? - luis_hamburgh - November 24, 2001 - 05:26 UTC