Re: tentative hybrid design.

["L. Parker" <lparker@destin.gulfnet.com>]

At 10:52 AM 3/1/96 -0600, you wrote:
>

>the ship starts off as a hybrid structure.  a MARS-like front end, with 
>an explorer-like backend.
>
>the ship accelerates out of Sol System with a simple maser sail.  The 
>large fuel tanks...

<Much Deleted>

>The crew deploys self-replicating robots (under some human direction) to 
>construct the return masers, and a simple manufacturing plant handles the 
>return sail 

Great! Only one suggestion though, Why not do the same thing TOTALLY
automated and construct masers at TC for a follow on manned expedition?
Other than the inevitable time delay of 15 years or so, this would simplify
the manned expedition enormously. (Course, our automated agents MIGHT
accidentally devour a native species because it didn't recognize it, but
hey, AI is coming along nicely.)

Lee Parker
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+  Weave a circle 'round him thrice, and close your eyes with holy dread...   +
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