I agree. You are usually spot on. I went off-line for a few messages to Bruce and Joe regarding the Shuttle, but I think it a shame if anyone else wanted to share those thoughts or correct me/us about them. We cannot untie the manned space program from Europa exploration. It hit me recently (like today, in discussion with Scott Anderson of UH/JPL) that people will go into space regardless of the risks. As a species, we're almost as mad about entering space as Lemmings marching into the sea for a swim (more so, since the Lemmings story is a fabrication). If people can ever find the means to explore or colonize Europa, I think they will. But first, we'll send the robots.
Gary
At 06:38 PM 2/11/2003 -0800, you wrote:
Since we seem to have so much trouble reining in those who have something to say about space exploration, how about this?
Suppose we either just change the name of the group, or keep the name for its intended purpose and just stop worrying about what is discussed?
A. This is a wonderfully diverse group with a sincere desire to foster efforts in getting off the planet, and
B. There is actually very little to discuss productively about Europa, at least for the foreseeable future.
I'd like to see the group continue because it's such a rich resource, and current events discussion could help keep the interest of the members up in the doldrum periods of Europa interest.
Please be assured this is in no way a criticism of our site administrator--his is a thankless job at best, and we should all give him a big "Well Done!" for putting up with us for as long as he has.
What thinkest thou?
Gail Leatherwood
