Why is the Government involved in something like this?
I've wondered that myself. Since I've been working at NASA this past year I've heard almost no one speak of this program. The only place I've seen it mentioned is in a couple of mainstream media stories. It's running below the radar screen within NASA, so to speak.
Bit, ABG, and Dog, I enjoyed reading your posts on Gallipoli, Churchill, etc., yesterday.
Awhile back, I read about the Battle of Arnhem, fall of '44. It was a disaster of planning and execution....
mostly on the British part, if I remember correctly....(hope MadIvan doesn't read this...)
Anyway, it made me think of what I'd read about the failed Scott polar expedition early in the century.
The author of the book I read concluded that the British emphasis on gentlemenly amateurism was responsible.
IOW, the ethic was AGAINST professionalism in planning and carrying out such an enterprise, in contrast to the the well-thought-out Amundsen operation, where all details were covered and carried out, thus leading to success.
And in such an overwhelming hostile environment, details were important.
But the British had this prejudice against such thorough business-like planning. And Scott became a national hero in his failure and death!!
The Arnhem campaign seemed to have some of the same elements, much to the Americans' disgust.
I also remembered details about the critical, immediate days after D-Day, where the Americans were surprised and dismayed to see the British troops stop to take tea breaks!