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.