From: utzoo!watmath!pcmcgeer
Newsgroups: net.space
Title: Brazil in Space
Article-I.D.: watmath.3039
Posted: Fri Jul 16 03:15:01 1982
Received: Fri Jul 16 04:37:10 1982

	Mr (Dr ?) McGrath's point is (almost) well-taken, save that it's
possible to conceive of national interest and national rivalries outside
of the military sphere.  Any nation which is interested in a continuing
prescence in space as a matter of long-term policy would be well advised
to adopt their own transport program.  Surely the motivation is obvious:
*even if a nation's intentions are peaceful*, it would not wish to be
beholden to another.  I should hardly need to remind Americans of the
Arab Lesson.
	As an example, suppose Brazil were interested in SPS's, or in
space industries.  If they relied on the Shuttle, they'd be open to
American ransom at any time - and, *from a Brazilian perspective*, is
the prospect of being held to ransom by us gringos such an unlikely
event?  (Please, no patriotic flames - I make no implications about
our conduct).
	Even if ransom were considered unlikely by the Brazilians, is
it fair to expect a nation to base what it sees as its future on the
whims of the US Congress?  I would think Proxmire alone would be sufficient
incentive for any nation to desire its own launcher....

					Cheers,
						Rick McGeer.