"Jonathan Schattke" wrote in message
oups.com...

Jonathan wrote:
Just after the first moon landing, Sept 16 1969, Neil Armstrong
stood before a Joint Session of Congress and stated....

Von Braun had the right of it: substantial permanently manned space
station, then the moon, then anything we cared to do. Orbital
manufacturing was essential long-range.

The space shuttle, well, they made a number of compromises rather than
build a crew module and an unmanned launch vehicle. At least they have
figured out that those compromises made something which ended up being
good for none of the tasks.

What's needed is MORE AUTOMATED space exploration--including permanent
automated bases on the Moon and Mars. Natch, they would be the "seeds" from
which future populated bases grow. They don't need to be fancy or large. I
mean the base from which Mars landers roll from would be a nice start.

The moon would be easier of course. You can always send up more robots,
components, batteries, parts, supplies, to expand the base and to increase
exploration of the moon itself.

-- Ken from Chicago