GAO: The DSN is actually falling apart |
GAO: The DSN is actually falling apart |
Guest_BruceMoomaw_* |
May 24 2006, 11:55 PM
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Guest_DonPMitchell_* |
May 27 2006, 03:57 PM
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Space programs have a long history of "Not Invented Here" syndrom, as well as being nationalistic. Witness the exercise of duplicating the GPS system in Europe, for example. I think with DSN, you can at least argue that scheduling issues make it advantageous for each program to have its own system.
With regard to politcial stability, what is the situation in the French Guiana? There has been an ongoing struggle for independance in New Caledonia for years now, with occasional outbursts of violence. That would be a setback for ESA if things got strange there, and Washington would definately not help (given their long lasting "Monroe Doctrine" sentiment). |
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May 27 2006, 05:04 PM
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#3
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Dublin Correspondent Group: Admin Posts: 1799 Joined: 28-March 05 From: Celbridge, Ireland Member No.: 220 |
With regard to politcial stability, what is the situation in the French Guiana? There has been an ongoing struggle for independance in New Caledonia for years now, with occasional outbursts of violence. That would be a setback for ESA if things got strange there, and Washington would definately not help (given their long lasting "Monroe Doctrine" sentiment). French Guyana has never really had much of an independance movement, there are some pushes towards increased autonomy perhaps but there isn't much evidence for a genuine militant independance movement. As an overseas département It is fairly well integrated into France politically and economically but it is a particularly impoverished spot, it is a remnant of colonialism and it is far away so there probably are some risks. I don't think they are significant at this point though. New Caledonia on the other hand is an overseas territory in an unusual phase since it is in the process of devolving from France and while it is still part of the French Republic at the moment the current plan is to vote on an independance referendum in 2014. It has had a pretty violent independance movement in the recent past but the current process seems to be sort of keeping the lid on things for now. Still the point is well made - political instability in French Guyana would be highly problematic for ESA. I wouldn't want to see it happen but it would be interesting to see how the French would deal with it - I suspect that Kourou is considered a strategic asset so I can't see the French just idly sitting by if things got unstable. I think you are right as far as the Monroe Doctrine is concerned but I also think that pigs would be seen flying over The Champs Elysees before the French would ask for US assistance in what it would consider an entirely internal affair. The history of the DSN might have seen some similar problems - the removal of Haartebeeshoek in South Africa to be replaced with Madrid in the mid 70's probably had some political motivation behind it for example. |
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