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From: al@ames.UUCP (Al Globus)
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Re: Debris from Upcomming ASAT Test
Message-ID: <1172@ames.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 30-Sep-85 21:24:11 EDT
Article-I.D.: ames.1172
Posted: Mon Sep 30 21:24:11 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 4-Oct-85 05:39:44 EDT
References: <385@aurora.UUCP> <15800003@uiucdcsp>
Organization: NASA-Ames Research Center, Mtn. View, CA
Lines: 29

> 
> Once again we hear from the spaceniks who bemoan our ASAT tests.
> They cry, "Oh, look at the Soviets, they have offered to stop
> all testing if only we would do the same."  Well, of course they
> have made this offer, and so would we if we were in their shoes.
> What everyone seems to conveniently ignore is the fact that the
> Soviets already HAVE a working ASAT.  

Our ASAT will not stop theirs.  Flying lots of spy satellites will
effectively nullify its effect though.

> Where were all
> these voices of denunciation when the USSR had their tests?  Once
> our tests are complete, then we can talk test ban - but not before.

The net did not exist at that time and I was more concerned with Rock
and Roll than spacecraft.  However, Soviet ASAT tests are responsible
for a large portion of current space debre and I'm not happy about
that at all.

> 
> As far as the debris issue is concerned, why not condemn the Soviets
> for their use of nuclear power plants in their spacecraft.  Talk about
> hot debris.

Consider them condemed.

If it makes you happy, I recently wrote Gorbachev (he's not on the net)
and complained about a few things in true net fashion.