Greg Benford writes about the evolution of science fiction through the space age, up to now, as part of the Reason space issue.
4 thoughts on “Science Fiction Faces Facts”
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Greg Benford writes about the evolution of science fiction through the space age, up to now, as part of the Reason space issue.
Comments are closed.
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.
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?
Yes, he is out of date and I am surprised he missed Ben Bova’s Grand Tour series that focus on the conquest of the Solar System by entrepreneurs.
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.