Previously on rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated, Andrew Swallow said:   
      
   > Mini minor? - unfortunately NASA cannot afford to build a big spacestation.   
   >    
   > Is a spacestation at L1 a good idea? - Yes.  EML1 is the natural    
   > crossroads in space.  This makes the EML1 spacestation a good place to    
   > change spacecraft.   
      
   Why is a Lagrange Point a "natural crossroads"?  What is it about one   
   of these points that make it better for such use than merely someplace   
   in orbit?  For that matter, what IS a Lagrange Point?  I've heard the   
   name, but never understood what it is or why it's a good thing.   
      
   > Earth entry spaceships need a point on the front to push through the    
   > atmosphere when launched plus a heat shield and parachutes for re-entry.    
      
   I think the Shuttle program showed quite well that returning craft do   
   NOT need parachutes for re-entry.  Capsule-types (Apollo, Soyuz) do,   
   but since you're talking specifically about shuttling between the Earth   
   surface and an in-space location, why not make it a space-plane that   
   can take off and land like an airplane?   
      
   --    
   Jeffrey Kaplan                                         www.gordol.org   
   Double ROT13 encoded for your protection   
      
   "If I am ever the Hero top 100 list: #71. My weapon of choice will be   
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   --- SBBSecho 2.12-Win32   
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