Re: some here will find this amusing

On Sat, Jan 17, 2004 at 06:05:33PM -0500, dep wrote:
> no, they were not invented in apollo, but their miniaturization,
> reliability, and ease of production were. i just now got a note from a
> fellow whose insulin pump, which has improved the quality (and, he says,
> the length) of his life came directly out of stuff developed for the space
> program. reliable fuel cells are another space-program invention.

I can accept the argument that some inventions depend on a certain unique
motivatation (prestige, coolness factor, whatever) and not merely on
economical prospects. Haven't we all found solutions for problems by not
directly trying to?

I would still prefer that private investors would go to space and not
governments, though. Governments should govern, no more.

On the other hand, within moments of the official announcement, Russia and
China announced plans to visit the moon as well. Which might turn it into a
space race. And that kind of motivation might outperform any economical
plan, indeed:

"Winning takes 70% of my concentration, making money only 20%."

( http://the-amazing.us/simplyamerican/2753/ )

Rob
-- 
Rob Kaper     | Fate fell short this time, your smile fades in the summer
[email protected] | Place your hand in mine, I'll leave when I wanna
www.capsi.com |   -- "Feeling This", Blink 182

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