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As I hoped, many interesting thoughts on the Monn/Mars (possibly space
pork) initiative... but as to sending annoying people permanently into
space, 3 words: Simpsons did it!  :)

Sad to see that the HST is about to be retired. I'd be happier if this
was because "it's outdated, time to bring the next generation online",
rather than "we need the money for the new moonbase project!"

Don't get me wrong, I didn't launch (ha!) this thread cause I think
manned space travel is bad - it's great, and valuable... though I don't
know if it equals the efficiiency + scientic value of unmanned
exploration. But who says we can't do some of both?

And as much as I do admire NASA (quite a bit, actually) I can't help but
have the casual observer's thoughts that NASA is pinched for cash. And
when the President makes an uber-high profile announcement about how he
wants to start a major new space initiative, they're willing to do
whatever it takes to please the prez. In other words, budgetary/political
considerations just might be outweighing scientific ones.

I could well be wrong, and I could be in a cynical frame of mind, having
just read "Why do YOU care what other people think?" (Highly recommended,
btw.) There's no denying that Feynman's description of the Challenger
investigation leaves one with an uneasy feeling.

Good night, sweet Hubble,
Jonah Cohen
Outreach & Public Programs Manager
Science Center of Connecticut

"Too many whites are getting away with drug use.
The answer is to... find the ones who are getting away with it, convict
them,
and send them up the river."
      -Rush Limbaugh


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