Re: Nuclear-powered spacecraft plan feared

[Steven Dapra <sjd@swcp.com>]

Feb. 6



	The space shuttle debris appears to not pose nearly the threat it has been

portrayed as posing.



	Although "authorities issued dire warnings about the debris' health risks

through the news media, the Centers for Disease Control and Environmental

Protection Agency were quietly advising health professionals Saturday [Feb.

1] that there is very little, if any, danger from space Shuttle Columbia

debris."  (Wall Street Journal, 2-4, p. B-1)



	Two of the major chemicals in the shuttle's fuel were monomethyl

hydrazine, and nitrogen tetroxide.  According the same WSJ article, a memo

from the Texas Department of Health concluded "that neither is likely to

have survived the descent of almost 40 miles in a concentrated liquid or

solid state."  The article continues in this general vein.



	The greatest danger is probably to souvenir hunters who risk being

prosecuted by over-zealous Federal prosecutors who would like to make an

example out of someone, or want to prove that no one had better so much as

touch Federal property.  



Steven Dapra

sjd@swcp.com

















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