4 thoughts on “Science Fiction Faces Facts”

  1. But why, oh why, did Benford invoke the “necessity” of NTR stages – vs. fuel depots? Methinks he doesn’t recognize where his own thinking is still contaminated by the expense and exotica of the Apollo-era paradigm.

  2. He references Landis’ talk on the 3rd generation NTR, but I don’t see any stats about it. Timberwind supposedly had an Isp of around 1000 and a thrust to weight of 30, what has NASA done?

  3. Yes, he is out of date and I am surprised he missed Ben Bova’s Grand Tour series that focus on the conquest of the Solar System by entrepreneurs.

  4. Back in the 40’s Heinlein’s Future History scenario assumed a “False Dawn” – an aggressive start into space followed by a period of stagnation before true space colonization and settlement began in earnest. We’ve had the false dawn and the period of stagnation. Hopefully the third stage is beginning.

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