Re: Clueless in Italy

On Jan 12, 7:06 am, Ian Parker <ianpark...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On 11 Jan, 23:04, behlin...@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

On Jan 11, 2:44 pm, Ian Parker <ianpark...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

If COTS is not "Global" it could run foul of the WTO.

the WTO has no say in COTS

This depends on what its remit is. Some time ago someone write
(subject of FTL) that anything that contradicted Newton's laws was to
be regarded with suspicion. Yes indeed, I would however like to add a
rider. Anything that contradicts Adam Smith or Ricardo is likewise to
be regarded with suspicion.

Protectionalism "protects" inefficient industries. It is (in effect)
state created inflation. It provides no incentive for industries to
become efficient. Space is no different in this to any other sector.
Various posters claim to want "low cost, affordable" access to space.
A COTS that closes off markets is a presciption for Arainespace and
ILS to forge ahead.

I feel it should be pointed out that after Apollo, where the US was
years ahead of its rivals the gap has been closed. In fact in terms of
technology Europe is roughly level with Ariane 5, but it streets ahead
of America in terms of market strategy and international cooperation.

A COTS proposal is equally valid in France as it is in the US. In fact
more so as Kourou is nearer the equator. Ricardo would have insisted,
for example, that launching outside the equatorial belt was insane. If
you want cheap access - there again you pay for being away from the
equator. My view is that if any proposal is that good and that
convincing Arianespace would buy it. If it is NOT that good it is part
of the state generated inflation that I described.

If there is a low cost solution to space access, personally I doubt
there is but just suppose, you will find it a lot easier to get the
idea off the ground if you are prepared to market worldwide. The fact
that no one has done this speaks volumes.

In fact the only solution that comes anywhere close to meeting these
criteria is the hypersonic aircraft of Sylvia Else. This is being
researched by ESTEC in Holland.

- Ian Parker

COTS has nothing to do with cheap access to space. Are you thinking
of CATS?
NASA COTS is Commercial Orbital Transportation Services

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