[Moonbase-discuss] Re: NASA & privateers / Moonbase-discuss digest, Vol 1 #6 - 1 msg

[JonAlexandr@aol.com]

Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2001 14:11:21 -0700 (PDT) Zack wrote:

Zack:  << If you truly want to see human beings
living comfortably in space, then you must allow for
private interest, otherwise the skies will always be
the private playground of a select few, instead of the
next frontier for the human race as a whole. >>

Jon:  I'm not voting to keep private interests out.  This is not an 'all or 
nothing' situation.  There are quite a few interesting private projects going 
on now.  I'm hoping some of them will be successful.

Zack:  << Government is slow and plodding. 
Great if you want stability in your affairs.  However,
the big G makes a terrible pioneer, and that is what
we truly need in space.  Pioneers.  People with
vision, who are willing to take risks to succeed. >>

Jon:  If you mean "pioneer" as "first" then government takes the credit, from 
Louis & Clark to Apollo, from the Sun to the outer planets.  I'm 
pro-government.  And I support private efforts.

Zack:  << Government is notoriously adverse to risk taking, but
that is what is required for progress.  Private
railways made this country accessible to the masses. 
Private airlines did the same for the globe. >>

Jon:  I'm not up on the details, but it's my understanding that the railways 
and airlines couldn't have become economically successful without the help of 
government.  I think it's the same for space transportation.  Government has 
provided the "proof of concept" and the initial funding.  Now it's up to 
private interests to show 'economy of concept.'  But government -- both 
national and international -- is surely going to remain a major player for 
the foreseeable future.  Private interests should stop whining and just do 
the job -- if they think they can do it.  Convince the lenders with their 
vision of space for all, and profit for some.  I think some will.  Others 
will fall by the wayside.

Zack:  << Private rockets are our means to bring humanity into space. >>

Jon:  Maybe.  Probably.  And I share some of your impatience.  But I think it 
is technology that is the biggest drag on the process now, not government.  
Nanotechnology -- molecular manufacturing -- I think will be a very effective 
'lubricant' to the process, and I'd expect space access to become much easier 
for all concerned when its manufacturing efficiencies become widely available.