Some people say that we cannot put a colony on the Moon. Some say we do not have the technology to do this? Some people say it is too dangerous and it costs too much to sustain life that far away from the Earth. Some people think mankind cannot go beyond, should not push the limit and cannot succeed in such an endeavor. Well I believe some people are absolutely, positively and completely wrong. It is twice as hard to set up an orbiting space station and we have been doing that for decades. I would like to recommend a book to you. Our space program knows the risks, has experience to deal with the challenges and has the human spirit of exploration behind them. We can do it. Why not start reading about a little history of our rocky progress to our modern day marvels, start by reading this book: "Dragonfly-NASA and the Crisis Aboard MIR", By Bryan Burrough. Great book of Old Technology meeting the ISO 9000 world of TQM. Where East meets West in Space. Very interesting the perception and reality of the Russian's Technology, and fly by the seat of your pants space missions which inevitably caused the old junk station to fall from the sky, but we did learn a lot that is now an integral part of the International Space Station. They did it on a budget for sure and the results nearly killed many Americans. The international relations with the Russians and the influx of NASA funds to the space station also eased tensions after the end of the cold war. Clinton could be thanked for the meeting of the minds. NASA learned a little and we got a rude awakening into the reality of Communism in a real life situation, where seconds count and life hangs in the balance within the vacuum we think of as the final frontier. You will enjoy the book and shake your head. Interesting book, one you should read if you are serious about understanding future space stations, colonies and enclosed life. Another good book to read which takes one step further is "Gravity". I leave you with your assignment to learn more and challenge you to think ahead and keep your head out of your rear like; Some People. Think about it. |
