"Charles Angelich" wrote to "Mike Ross" (12 Feb 03  18:53:16)
 --- on the topic of "Columbia's 'computers'"

 CA> I've been aware of gamma radiation damage for 40 years and it's
 CA> my opinion we need to understand the curvature of space better
 CA> than we now do and curve space around the manned space vehicles
 CA> to deflect these gamma particles.

Bending space was theorized back in the late 19'th century. It was then
proposed to build the most powerful telescope ever by using a very
powerful magnet to bend space to form it's main optical lens. Of course
in hindsight it was a rather quaint romantic notion as we all now know
it's impractical to use electromagnetic forces to bend space.

However, there may yet be some force in future that we will discover and
manipulate to achieve this trick as well as a spaceship drive just like
in the science of Startrek. I believe it will probably have something to
do with what gives some subatomic particles their mass vector such as
in what causes gravity and inertia.

If we could control this mass vector then one would be able to
manipulate gravity and inertia at will. For example, if such a device
did exist then a spaceship could simply turn off or perhaps partially
shield its own gravity and float effortlessly off the planet into space.
Then in space it would float away from the Solar System and once in
interstellar space it would manipulate its inertia to drive the distance
inbetween stars, etc. Naturally these notions are just science fiction
at present but who knows what the future holds.


 CA> Long term space travel never
 CA> takes this damage into account at all from what I read. Not
 CA> sure if they don't know or don't care to be realistic about
 CA> this problem?

Sure they do, for example the astronauts in the space station take
shelter behind the water tank whenever there is a large solar erruption,
as it makes an excellent shield for cosmic radiation. However, many
plastics too make good shields because of their density so it isn't only
heavy metals like lead or gold that can stop radiation. A combination of
such materials will stop most types of radiation found in space. Gold
foil was used extensively in the early days of spaceflight.


 CA> OTOH the military would probably try to use this ability to
 CA> curve space as a weapon and all heck would break loose. ;-)

There is always a "dark side" to a beneficial invention. I can use a
hammer to put up a roof over someone's head but then it can also bash
their brains in. It's all in the intent and an evil heart will find a
way to fly airliners into tall buildings.

 Mike
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