I worked on the Saturn space vehicles back in the 60's, and was as gung-ho as any American to get into space. Now I see, in retrospect, what a complete waste of time, money and resources the whole thing was. The whole program gained us zilch.

We didn't develop most of the original space technology...Germany and Russia did that. We just spent more, and assembled more iron. If we now try again to climb that first 200-300 miles using the same primitive means of propulsion we are doomed to abject failure.

Just as we get there, Russia, China, India or Japan will start hauling up loads by a space tether and elevator! Or some more advanced technique than squirting money and pollution from the rear end of big tubes.

Let's face it. We are not going even across the Solar System any time soon. Suck your lollipop and stop crying about it!

John W.