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From: ashby@uiucdcsp.CS.UIUC.EDU
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Re: Debris from Upcomming ASAT Test
Message-ID: <15800003@uiucdcsp>
Date: Wed, 25-Sep-85 15:33:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: uiucdcsp.15800003
Posted: Wed Sep 25 15:33:00 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Sep-85 05:01:36 EDT
References: <385@aurora.UUCP>
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Nf-ID: #R:aurora.UUCP:-38500:uiucdcsp:15800003:000:938
Nf-From: uiucdcsp.CS.UIUC.EDU!ashby    Sep 25 14:33:00 1985


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.  "But it is crude," the voices
will cry.  Yes it is, but it is effective.  Its relative crudeness
is also the reason they want our program stopped.  They see the
F15 program as a cheap and highly efficient deterrent.  If they
can stop it with a propaganda tirade they win big.  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.

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.