haddlettr

Hey, hey.

On my mind right now:

The European Space Program was nowhere near being able, at the time, to send something else than a probe on Mars. Let's remember that, unlike U.S. and U.S.S.R., we didn't have any previous experience of manned space flight. OTOH, the ESA would have the advantage of Kourou, but I really don't think it would do anything to close the gap. Not unless the entire EEC wants to put every single pound, franc and mark into that program. Even then, such a decision could, maybe, get them on track, but nothing would prevent the U.S. to put even more money there... by pulling back their forces from Europe.

Thus, they would create instability in the countries which "betrayed" them, forcing them to pull some of the money towards their military while saving billions themselves to put into those rockets.

As a European, I'd say the best thing to do would be to work hand in hand with the U.S. Lend them the Kourou Space Center in exchange for some seats in the various missions and a part of the techs. Money will be welcome, of course, but Kourou is the only real thing that could interest them, as its position and readiness (operational in 1968) allows more efficient launches for the rockets (Soyouz capability went from 1.7 tonnes to 2.8 by launching from there...).

The people who'll get to the City will be the winners, end of the line. As Europe cannot realistically beat both of the superpowers, it needs to align itself as a critical partner whose help made the whole project the success it will be known by the following generations. European flags cannot float alone, but they will float on Mars.

I am really interested in any type of personality test.