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Bill White

Member

Registered: 2001-09-09

Posts: 2,114

Re: Do things change - or stay the same

When was this written?

But scientists who see the benefits of space exploration are opposed to the timetable of the man-in-space program, and particularly the schedule set for landing men on the moon. They suggest that the objectives of space research can be realized by robot instruments, with the manned-flight program carried out at a slower pace.

This question requires a further exploration of the motives underlying the United States space effort. Is it primarily a scientific program? Or is it motivated by a broader concern with national interests and national goals?"

and this

"That brings us to the point on which we take serious issue with some of our scientific colleagues, who complain, "The scientific exploration of the moon has been accorded a secondary priority in the lunar program." This remark is based on the premise that science should have top priority in the space program. However, while science plays an important role in lunar exploration, it was never intended to be the primary objective of that project. The impetus of the lunar program is derived from its place in the long-range U.S. program for exploration of the solar system."

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Robert Jastrow and Homer E. Newell. The Atlantic Monthly; August, 1963; Why Land on the Moon; Volume 211, No. 2; pages 41-45

[http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/63aug/jastrow.htm]http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/63aug/jastrow.htm

Thanks to Bill Turner who posted this comment at [http://www.spacepolitics.com]www.spacepolitics.com.

= = =

Forty years and still no broad national consensus on the "why" question:

This question requires a further exploration of the motives underlying the United States space effort. Is it primarily a scientific program? Or is it motivated by a broader concern with national interests and national goals?"

clark

Member

Registered: 2001-09-20

Posts: 6,374

Re: Do things change - or stay the same

This question requires a further exploration of the motives underlying the United States space effort. Is it primarily a scientific program? Or is it motivated by a broader concern with national interests and national goals?"

It's about national interests and national goals. Science is secondary.