Dr. Mitchell, I expect some of my rantings may...or may not...reach you. Perhaps pertinent aspects can be edited, for clarity's sake. And, of
course, there are many others with questions.
Instead of posing a direct question, I'd just prefer to sit back and admire you --- and all of your colleagues --- for such a tremendous job well
done.
I expect that what might be more interesting than direct answers to specific questions would be merely a recollection of your experiences, your
personal knowledge.
One question I would ask, though...would be for you or ATS to provide, at the end, a comprensive list of your published works. (Well, I know, I could
search Amazon....just call me lazy!...)
PS....I think, here in the year 2008, we tend to forget the fact that the USSR was also mounting an aggressive Space Program in the 1960s.
The so-called 'Cold War' was actually the impetus....not only for the propoganda purposes, but real-world military concerns regarding the domination
of 'Space'....not only LEO but other aspects, as well.
Dismissing, for the moment, the fact that so many ICBMs still exist (and wondering about their viability in the modern era) ... the exploration of
Space is still a Human endeavor.
Many brave lives have been sacrificed in this cause....and National Borders be damned!
The future of Space Exploration....(manned) Space Exploration, must, in order to ensure the future of Humankind, progress beyond petty geo-political
concerns.
I will look forward to the discussions......