Previously on rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated, Andrew Swallow said:

> Mini minor? - unfortunately NASA cannot afford to build a big spacestation.
> 
> Is a spacestation at L1 a good idea? - Yes.  EML1 is the natural 
> crossroads in space.  This makes the EML1 spacestation a good place to 
> change spacecraft.

Why is a Lagrange Point a "natural crossroads"?  What is it about one
of these points that make it better for such use than merely someplace
in orbit?  For that matter, what IS a Lagrange Point?  I've heard the
name, but never understood what it is or why it's a good thing.

> Earth entry spaceships need a point on the front to push through the 
> atmosphere when launched plus a heat shield and parachutes for re-entry. 

I think the Shuttle program showed quite well that returning craft do
NOT need parachutes for re-entry.  Capsule-types (Apollo, Soyuz) do,
but since you're talking specifically about shuttling between the Earth
surface and an in-space location, why not make it a space-plane that
can take off and land like an airplane?

-- 
Jeffrey Kaplan                                         www.gordol.org
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"If I am ever the Hero top 100 list: #71. My weapon of choice will be
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