Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site lanl.ARPA Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!lanl!ths 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