Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!att!mtuxo!mtgzy!rlf
From: rlf@mtgzy.att.com (r.l.fletcher)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: What's Wrong with this Picture?
Summary: So What?
Keywords: Nyah Nyah they copied us
Message-ID: <4268@mtgzy.att.com>
Date: 6 Oct 88 17:02:18 GMT
References: <6981@ihlpl.ATT.COM> <418@geovision.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T, Middletown NJ
Lines: 26

So what if the Soviets did use our Shuttle shape to build theirs.  I doubt
very much if anything besides the shape is similar. Is their main computer
based on an IBM 360 too? Its not like we fly the thing with a cloak over
it to keep its shape a secret. Does anyone know the patent number for 
the shape and color scheme of a US Shuttle? 
Yeesh, who was it that said, "impersonation is the ultimate form
of flattery?"

Besides, it wouldn't be the first time a major world power "borrowed"
technology/ideas/people from other countries to further their
own space effort now would it?

I believe it is quite possible that the Soviets arrived at the shape of
their own accord, or they could have copied us. Much of the Shuttles physical
specifications are public information.  But why does it matter? 
Sure, let's let our egos further the dis-integration of 
Soviet/US space efforts, it can only help in the long term exploration
of space, right? 

I wonder how far along the world space effort would be now if
all interested countries had collaborated on space programs from
the beginning.

					Ron Fletcher
					AT&T Bell Laboratories
					Middletown NJ