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From: ths@lanl.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.columbia
Subject: Re: Mission 61-A/Spacelab D-1 Launch
Message-ID: <32842@lanl.ARPA>
Date: Mon, 4-Nov-85 15:04:42 EST
Article-I.D.: lanl.32842
Posted: Mon Nov  4 15:04:42 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 5-Nov-85 21:44:56 EST
References: <571@riccb.UUCP> <466@mhuxm.UUCP>
Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Lines: 34

> Back in the late '70's, the US appeared to trail the space race; it is clear
> now that we were in fact preparing a dramatic leap forward.  By contrast it
> is incredible to observe how little technical advancement appears to have
> been made in Soviet space technology since Gagarin's day.
> 
> Richard Irving, AT&T Bell Labs, Murray Hill NJ		mhuxm!rhib

Although I would tend to agree with your generalized statement about Soviet
technology, we must always remember that this "crude and backward country"
launched the first satellite, first manned space flight, first successfull
moon probe, first multiple crew spaceship, first space walk .....

The Soviets currently hold the record for space endurance and have embarked
upon a long range space exploration program that involves many important and
exciting scientific discoveries.

They may not be on the cutting edge of technology, but they have no lack
of talent and ingenuity.  I would hope that those who read your words do
not misinterpret them.  I would not like to return to the public opinion as
of October 3, 1957.

On the other hand, I am always a bit skeptical about the claims made by our
own Military/Industry about advanced capabilities possessed by the
Soviets that tend to drive Congress into deeper military spending than
necessary.

The space race "competition" between the US and USSR has some healthy
aspects to it, but I resent the nuclear spectre that pervades our
relationship.

Please read "The Heavens & The Earth" by Walter McDougall, some good stuff
to think about.

Ted Spitzmiller