right back at you. Technical arguements don't constitute worship. I am well aware Zubrin is not perfect or infallible, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with unfounded criticisms. What I worship is facts and figures. Zubrin has them most of his critics don't. Those that due usually are trying to solve a slightly different problem. Real engineers know the best solution is dictated by your objectives, and that if you change them the best answer will change. On this board none of his critics have ever put up numbers that I know of to indicate they are doing anything more than passing on someone else's judgement.

I helped lead an effort to make the Mars Society more of a member's society than a Zubrin society because there were a number of issues I disagree with Zubrin on and many others felt their voices weren't being heard. Zubrin actually eventually encouraged it despite some opposition from many who felt it was disloyal yet in the end Zubrin proved to be far more dedicated than the rest of the MS put together. I helped put together a democratic process to provide member feedback to Zubrin and the steering committee and we ended up spending more time dealing with personalities than accomplishing anything. Sorry for the long digression, but the point is I have disagreed with Zubrin on many issues.

If your only reply to an arguement is you must be a Zubrin Zombie, then you clearly are not presenting a technically founded arguement either. I really don't see how you could make claim 2 and 3 and I know from my own evaluation that there is nothing wrong with considering SSP unworkable at current launch costs. I do apologize if my earler response came over as harsh, because I don't think your initial comment was.

Regards,
Mark