Hi Robert,

Hitler could have...if only he had an interest. But unfortunately his interests were global domination. Von Braun and other rocketmen with visions of exploration were used for their skill.

Hitler was a leader who appreciated technology, but he also was neurotic and alienated all those around him, as neurotics so often do.

But the global WWII effort - if put solely into space exploration and rocket development could have put a man on the moon probably by 52 and on Mars by 58. Space stations would be as common as satellites by 1975. By 1990 we might have colonies orbiting all the planets.

But unfortunately megalomania is never constructive - but is destructive.

Unfortunately the 'powerful' leaders usually attain their power by taking others and sustaining it through fear.

Today there is no leader who wields this sort of power or inspires any sort of over the top work ethic.

If Hitler was a regular guy, and not a tyrant - then the productive output of Germany would not have been quite as high as it was with the Gestapo looking over your shoulder.

So its a catch-22, a nice-guy Hitler couldn't do what an evil monster Hitler could.

That... in a nutshell is why we are still so far behind in projected space development.

Assertive, visionary, political leadership is simply non-existent. It takes a good guy - twice the leadership skills of a tyrant to rally momentum and inspire over-the-top 80 hour week devotion.

At least that's my take on it...

Best wishes,

SDAI-Tech1