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From: rhib@mhuxm.UUCP (irving)
Newsgroups: net.columbia
Subject: Re: Mission 61-A/Spacelab D-1 Launch
Message-ID: <466@mhuxm.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 31-Oct-85 14:21:46 EST
Article-I.D.: mhuxm.466
Posted: Thu Oct 31 14:21:46 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 2-Nov-85 03:58:00 EST
References: <571@riccb.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill
Lines: 20

> Isn't it pretty amazing that NASA can now manage to launch a crew
> larger than the entire first group of Mercury astronauts and do it less than
> four weeks since the last launch from the same complex?

It certainly is amazing.  While some space buffs lament how the public has
become apathetic towards shuttle voyages (as witnessed by little or no TV
coverage), this is inevitable when man's ventures into space become a
routine occurrence; with the 22nd shuttle mission now under way, I think it
is safe to regard shuttle voyages as being comparable to passenger
supersonic flight - spectacular to behold, but no longer revolutionary.

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.

I eagerly await the day when fare-paying passengers may joyride on the
shuttle - I'll be one of the first in line, regardless of cost!

Richard Irving, AT&T Bell Labs, Murray Hill NJ		mhuxm!rhib