"Scott Lowther" wrote in message
...
Pete Lynn wrote:


What is the official estimate for intangible benefits
from ESAS? Breakdown?

In perpetuating the position that space is slow,
complicated and expensive, I expect that ESAS will
do more to crush the spirit of the next generation
than inspire it to greater levels of achievement.

I don;t see that. Again, Shuttle is all we've had for a
quarter century, and it has been infinitely slower, more
complicated and more expensive, for the simple fact
that it went *nowhere.* And yet, during the Shuttle
era people ahve been interested enough in space to
actively participate in the X-Prize.

I had been wondering about this argument - NASA acts as an oppressive
regime which consequently fosters a rebel movement intent on revolution.
Hence NASA 'inspires' that rebel movement.

I am not sure how significant this argument is, though anecdotal
evidence would suggest that frustration with NASA can be a strong
motivating force for many start ups. Would their motivation be as strong
in the absence of NASA? Should this be accounted for as an intangible
wealth benefit of NASA?

Pete.