Why are Our Imaginations Retreating from Science and Space, and into Fantasy?

The Globe and Mail (Canada) ^ | Monday, September 8, 2003 | SPIDER ROBINSON

[RightWhale]

Who's going to stop them?

Fine. Get there, but be prepared to stay. Don't expect resupply, either; the first launch will be the last so make it good.

[MalcolmS]

>>>Who's going to stop them?

Fine. Get there, but be prepared to stay. Don't expect resupply, either; the first launch will be the last so make it good. <<<

Who is going to stop the launch? Don't assume that the launch will take place from the USA, or even if it did, that the US would take action to enforce a UN resolution passed in the early 60's to prevent either the USA or USSR from claiming sole possession of the moon.

So is the UN going to get a force of blue-helmets together to raid a launch site on some desolate equitorial island, or even at sea? They've never enforced any other resolution with troops (unless the US forced their hand), so why this one?

[Frank_Discussion]

This is only the second book of his that I've read, the first being Weclome to Moonbase. That's a good book as well, but more of a fictional illustration of how the employee handbook would present the operation and character of a commercial moonbase. It's a pretty interesting read.

[RightWhale]

is the UN going to get a force of blue-helmets together to raid a launch site on some desolate equitorial island

Space launches are one of the most fragile operations there are. Everything must be ready and must go perfectly. All it would take is a group of locals running through the facility swinging machetes and the whole operation would be done, destroyed, over. It wouldn't take direct action by any blue helmets, just a call from one of the power elite. Remember the end of the Otrag equatorial launch site. Launch sites require political stability and especially agreement from the political power establishment. One senator with a wild hair growing up his nose and there will be no moon launch. It would take almost nothing to stop the flight; an interrupted shipment of a particular circuit board, a permit not granted. It's too easy.