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[PLANETARY SOC. = 250 wds] SPACE SCIENCE (vs shuttle) - the Shuttle is maligned by many planetary scientists. Criticized as a funding sink, it's accused of absorbing all the monies available for space research and elbowing out unmanned probes and exploration programs - the debate is ridiculous. We shouldn't be arguing amongst ourselves: if both programs are worthwhile, both should be funded, both should be defended. We should look at each program on its merit, and defend it to congress. If congress lines a program out of the budget, the supporters of that program shouldn't blame the scientists whose programs did survive the budget approval cycle. - we should go to congress [[strikethrough]] unified [[/strikethrough]] together, and argue for all worthwhile programs. The Shuttle program and planetary program have a symbiotic relationship: the Shuttle depends on the business of planetary science; planetary science depends on the Shuttle as an economical launcher of its unmanned probes. We share a common goal: human exploration of the solar system. There are several aspects [branches] from that root: 1 We want probes telescopes to learn about the solar system; 2 We want to send emissaries (fulfill human need to explore); 3 underlying conviction that search for understanding will improve human condition [[note]] Elton John "Mars is not a place to raise your kid" [materially - spin-offs... but who cares; scientifically - make textbooks more complete & accurate - satisfying...; learn more about ourselves, get perspective on planet, on our place in the universe give the peoples on planet a common heritage][/note]]