/sci/ - Science & Math

>>15904800
>In support of this, the Weinersmiths cite the high levels of radiation, extreme temperatures, and zero-gravity conditions of interplanetary space, as well as the abrasive dust and other hazards found on the surfaces of many planets. They discuss at length the many ways in which unprotected exposure to such conditions could kill. But they generally downplay or neglect to mention the fact that there are ways of overcoming those challenges—preferring instead to depict would-be space travelers in a variety of comically helpless predicaments.
> Like Deudney, the Weinersmiths also posit the idea that—despite their intrinsic worthlessness—the Moon, Mars, and asteroids are likely to become objects of contention between major terrestrial powers, thereby driving them towards Armageddon.
> There is a lot more legalese, but the basic message, as the Weinersmiths concisely explain, is “Translation: ‘No, you can’t exploit it. NO! NO SHENANIGANS JUST HANDS OFF!’” They endorse this treaty because “If you believe, as we do, that there’s no obvious economic case for Moon mining … then this new Moon Race is just a pointless escalation towards a crisis, possibly even a conflict.”
> This brings me to the most serious problem with this book. We do face a serious threat of war right now—but not from Martian invaders or because of disputes over mining rights on the Moon.
> While space assets have been used in conflicts dating back to Vietnam, the current war in Ukraine is the first in which space capabilities have played a decisive role. It is only though such advantages as superior space-based communications, reconnaissance, and GPS-guided munitions that the Ukrainians have been able to hold off Russian forces that outnumber them three to one.