----- Original Message -----
From: "Norman Levitt" <njlevitt@...>
To: <Scipolicy-L@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2003 1:09 PM
Subject: Re: [Scipolicy-L] the "sentimental crap" of manned space travel?


<<Tim Ferris, the excellent science writer, once observed that conducting a
space program with the purpose of learning how humans and other organisms
function in a space environment is like instituting a program in
pillar-sitting in order to learn how to sit on pillars. The whole business
is circular, absent an independent and compelling reason for an elaborate
low-orbit manned space program in the first place. I don't see any.>>

Both you and Mr. Ferris are welcome to your opinions. Both of you miss the
point that research sponsored by NASA produces incalculable benefits in a
very broad range of technologies.

See: http://www.nasatech.com/

I have been reading NASA Tech Briefs since I was a young man. No
bureaucracy is perfect, just as no person is perfect. But on balance NASA's
legacy is impressive.

What this really boils down to is sour grapes on the part of those who would
like to see the money NASA spends redirected to their pet fields.

I suggest that you would benefit from exploring the url above.

Ronald J. Riley www.InventorEd.org