NationStates Jolt Archive

The UN Space Research Station

Category: Free Trade
Strength: Significant
Description:

RECOGNIZING that there is still much to be learned from experiments in outer space,

NOTING that not all nations have access to outer space,

UNDERSTANDING that new technologies developed from space research have found private sector applications in the past and that products derived from future space research could be infused into the free markets, and

CONFIRMING the UN's goal of fostering peace and cooperation between its member nations,

HEREBY CREATES the UN Geosynchronous Space Research Station (henceforth refered to as the UGSRS), allowing researchers from all UN member nations to participate in experiments performed outside the atmosphere,

STRONGLY URGES that UN member nations contribute to its development, whether through assisting in construction and providing raw materials or by contributing monetary funds, and that member nations capable of contributing further do so in the form of modular advances to the station in order to expand it's capabilities, and

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Transportation Elevator, a system designed to bridge the UGSRS with the ground to provide a transportation system for moving scientists, cargo, and power between the two,

WITH THE UNDERSTANDING that benefits derived from both the construction of the station and research conducted aboard it are to be made available to all UN member nations.

NOTING FURTHER that the UGSRS will be unable to support scientists from all 34,000 UN member nations,

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Scientist Selection Committee, consisting of highly regarded peers of the scientific community throughout the Unite Nations, to narrow down and approve candidates to perform research onboard the station,

MANDATES that the station shall not be used as a means of infrigement upon the sovereignty of other nations.

PROVIDES the UGSRS with with security personel trained in recognizing and stopping threats to the station.Mmm... don't like the sound of this.

MANDATES that UN member nations contribute to it's development, whether through assisting in construction and providing raw materials or by contributing monetary funds,
This might be better if you STRONGLY URGE rather than MANDATE. Make it voluntary. Nations that are interested or see some possible economic gain will eagerly participate. Those who have no interest in the project will resent being forced to contribute.

Mmm... don't like the sound of this.
Would "PROVIDES the UGSRS with security systems designed to recognize and stop threats to the station" be acceptable?

I like it!

:steals Yelda's line and adds it to first post:

The Republic of BlueTiger would to show our continued support of this proposal.

We would also like to agree with Yeldan UN Mission's postions on making nations particapate, but would like to add that if they do not help build the station, or help to make make significant improvements later (if they didn't help build it in the first place), then they should not be allowed access to the station. This is for no other reason than, if one does not put forth the effort or recourse to build something, they should not be allowed to benefit from it's use.

Sincerely,

Allan Smith
UN Representitve of BlueTiger

Hmm... the thing is, I envision the station's purpose as serving nations who can't build their own... like past tech or early modern tech... FT nations don't need the station at all. I doubt a past tech nation would be able to aid much in the construction project...

Nations such as Ecopoeia will simply have to resist strong urges to participate, I'm afraid. We don't object to space exploration but don't have the luxury of being able to play a part in such ventures ourselves.

I recommend taking care with your use of its/it's. I've seen at least two such homophones (in the 'STRONGLY URGES...' and 'CONFIRMING...' clauses).

Sincere best wishes and regret that we are unable to join you in such noble endeavours.

Varia Yefremova
Speaker to the UN

This might be better if you STRONGLY URGE rather than MANDATE. Make it voluntary. Nations that are interested or see some possible economic gain will eagerly participate. Those who have no interest in the project will resent being forced to contribute.
I tend to agree with this. Making it voluntary--and only available to those nations that contribute--usually produces the most happy customers. Those that don't want involved will stay out and there will be no risk of them compromising the work done in the space station with unwanted "counter-scientists" (possibly sent up because of their aggrevation of having to contribute). While those nations that see themselves using the space station will be willing to invest in it: you can't expect something for nothing.

But, I don't think that it being voluntary is absolutely necessary in this case, as the proposal doesn't (or "didn't", seeing as it now only STRONGLY URGES) specify *how much* each nation must contribute, there's nothing stopping nations which don't want to be involved from sending a hammer, two nails, and a rabid porcupine to "contribute to...development". Ouch!

He he... porcupine... :D

I'm worried about it not getting enough votes if I force nations to contribute... I don't think most of the n00bish nations out there would care to send even a rabid porcupine... but it's still a possibility.

Am I the only person who sees that you're committing the U.N. to the construction of a space elevator?

If this ever put in effect the nation of Cybertoria would gladly help provide resources and funding for this prodject.

The Republic of Boll United stands firm in its rejection of this bill. It is completely unrealistic. The UN has officially lost its mind if it passes legislation demanding the cooperation of 34,000 nations in the construction and organization of a planet-sized space balloon perched on top of a humongous space elevator.

Phi Rowe of Raskolnikov
The Republic of Boll United

Space elevators are within the realm of possibility in RL. There could be one built within 20 years. The only thing that's kept us from having one right now isn't that it's too high tech, just that it's too large a construction project for 191 nations to handle. In NS, however, there are 34,000 nations to split the cost of labor and construction. Hence, it's no big deal.

Indeed, many of our nations may not possess the technological prowess to aid in the development of such a space station. However, we do have one important asset - manpower. In exchange for access to the station and construction techniques, we feel that many nations, including our own Commonwealth, would gladly participate.

We look forward to voting on this at some future time.

- Kyle d’Aires, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Commonwealth of Kayros

Even if a space elevator was completely feasable, and even if you built this thing, there is the question - how do you expect thirty-four thousand nations to all coexist inside this little space egg? I forsee the wealthy and scientifically advanced nations taking up all the space and nudging the little guys out. And that goes against your stated objective of providing research space for smaller nations. As I stated in my first post on this subject (in the other thread), a space station can only realistically be utilized to its full advantage when only one or a few nations have claims to its ownership. 34,000? Come on. That would be one big space egg.


With all due respect,

Phi Rowe of Raskolnikov
The Republic of Boll United

I like it very much.

Even if a space elevator was completely feasable, and even if you built this thing, there is the question - how do you expect thirty-four thousand nations to all coexist inside this little space egg? I forsee the wealthy and scientifically advanced nations taking up all the space and nudging the little guys out. And that goes against your stated objective of providing research space for smaller nations. As I stated in my first post on this subject (in the other thread), a space station can only realistically be utilized to its full advantage when only one or a few nations have claims to its ownership. 34,000? Come on. That would be one big space egg.


With all due respect,

Phi Rowe of Raskolnikov
The Republic of Boll United

There are risk factors in long term exposure to zero gravity (bone lose) and possible cancer (radiation exposure).

Also not every nation has the personnel to send.



Now granted some nations will not "experience" the Station BUT they will benefit from innovations like a Perfect Mirror or a Perfect Ball bearing.


You also have to factor in the smaller nations will not be able to give as mush, making their cost benefit ratio much higher in their favor.

Since they would be getting all the innovations like everyone else.

Even if a space elevator was completely feasable, and even if you built this thing, there is the question - how do you expect thirty-four thousand nations to all coexist inside this little space egg? I forsee the wealthy and scientifically advanced nations taking up all the space and nudging the little guys out. And that goes against your stated objective of providing research space for smaller nations. As I stated in my first post on this subject (in the other thread), a space station can only realistically be utilized to its full advantage when only one or a few nations have claims to its ownership. 34,000? Come on. That would be one big space egg.


With all due respect,

Phi Rowe of Raskolnikov
The Republic of Boll United

Space egg? I see it looking more like this (http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1002/csmimg/p14a.gif)

Even if a space elevator was completely feasable, and even if you built this thing, there is the question - how do you expect thirty-four thousand nations to all coexist inside this little space egg? I forsee the wealthy and scientifically advanced nations taking up all the space and nudging the little guys out. And that goes against your stated objective of providing research space for smaller nations. As I stated in my first post on this subject (in the other thread), a space station can only realistically be utilized to its full advantage when only one or a few nations have claims to its ownership. 34,000? Come on. That would be one big space egg.


With all due respect,

Phi Rowe of Raskolnikov
The Republic of Boll United

You are obiusly to blindsided by your selfish veiws to see the full implications of such a venture, the prodject if ever passed would benifite all of humanity, The Republic of Cybertoria remains by its surport of this resolution!

Space elevators are within the realm of possibility in RL. There could be one built within 20 years. The only thing that's kept us from having one right now isn't that it's too high tech, just that it's too large a construction project for 191 nations to handle. In NS, however, there are 34,000 nations to split the cost of labor and construction. Hence, it's no big deal.
OOC: I agree. The elevator really is more MT than PMT. RL Earth probably could build one, we just haven't yet. When do you plan to submit this?

Thank your support, guys. However, the argument that there are simply too many nations for a station to support is a valid one. Even if every nation sends only one scientist, there would still be 34,000 to take care of, which is clearly difficult, if not impossible, for modern technology. Therefore, I plan to insert a clause or two creating a committee to select scientists to work in the station, which would read something like this:

NOTING FURTHER that the UGSRS will be unable to support scientists from all 34,000 UN member nations,

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Scientist Selection Committee, consisting of highly regarded peers of the scientific community throughout the Unite Nations, to narrow down and approve candidates to perform research onboard the station.

I'll submit the proposal as soon as I determine that this new addition is acceptable.

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Transportation Elevator, a system designed to bridge the UGSRS with the ground to provide a transportation system for moving scientists, cargo, and power between the two,

A huge elevator that goes into space? Cut that out and I would consider this piece of legislation serious.

A huge elevator that goes into space? Cut that out and I would consider this piece of legislation serious.
http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/space_elevator_020327-1.html
.

A huge elevator that goes into space? Cut that out and I would consider this piece of legislation serious.
Like Yelda has pointed out, space elevator's aren't unrealistic. Still, you do raise an interesting point as to how the proposal is worded concerning that space elevator.

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Transportation Elevator, a system designed to bridge the UGSRS with the ground to provide a transportation system for moving scientists, cargo, and power between the two,

Perhaps if the proposal said that UN nations could contribute to the research and construction of a UGSRS Transportation Elevator, rather than it just being made into fact, it would be more palatable to those who don't see the modern tech as all /that/ close to actually being able to build one.

Then again, maybe not. It's up to your, Fatus Maximus. :)

The Republic of Strobania has little use for a facility of this type, since we already have a collection of our own long-term orbital assets. However, for the sake of global technological progress and the accessability of all nations to space, we support this venture, on the condition that the requirement for the UGSRS Scientist Selection Committee be dropped, and that all nations rotate their posts aboard the station every three months. Strobania also proposes that member nations with the capability to further oversee the project should be urged to expand the station's capabilities as the need arises with modular additions.

Compadria will support this resolution if garantuees are given that:

1). Smaller, less technologically advanced nations are recipients of the benefits of the programme and are given opportunities to learn from its construction and operation, scientific progress of a peaceful and humanitarian nature.

2). That the security force's make-up will be rotated regularly to make sure security responsibilities do not coalesce in the hands of one nation.

3). This will not be used as a means of infrigement upon the sovereignty of other nations (through observations, spying, etc)

May the blessings of our (space-faring) otters be upon you

Leonard Otterby
Delegate of the Republic of Compadria to the U.N.

Long live space-exploring Compadria! (and other countries).

OK, this is the semi-final draft.

The UN Space Research Station

Category: Free Trade
Strength: Significant
Description:

RECOGNIZING that there is still much to be learned from experiments in outer space,

NOTING that not all nations have access to outer space,

UNDERSTANDING that new technologies developed from space research have found private sector applications in the past and that products derived from future space research could be infused into the free markets, and

CONFIRMING the UN's goal of fostering peace and cooperation between its member nations,

HEREBY CREATES the UN Geosynchronous Space Research Station (henceforth refered to as the UGSRS), allowing researchers from all UN member nations to participate in experiments performed outside the atmosphere,

STRONGLY URGES that UN member nations contribute to its development, whether through assisting in construction and providing raw materials or by contributing monetary funds, and that member nations capable of contributing further do so in the form of modular advances to the station in order to expand it's capabilities, and

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Transportation Elevator, a system designed to bridge the UGSRS with the ground to provide a transportation system for moving scientists, cargo, and power between the two,

WITH THE UNDERSTANDING that benefits derived from both the construction of the station and research conducted aboard it are to be made available to all UN member nations.

NOTING FURTHER that the UGSRS will be unable to support scientists from all 34,000 UN member nations,

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Scientist Selection Committee, consisting of highly regarded peers of the scientific community throughout the Unite Nations, to narrow down and approve candidates to perform research onboard the station,

AND ACKNOWLEDGING that rogue nations may seek to destroy the UGSRS as a symbol of unity between UN nations,

PROVIDES the UGSRS with security systems designed to recognize and stop threats to the station, and

MANDATES that the station shall not be used as a means of infrigement upon the sovereignty of other nations.


You'll notice I left in the bit about the selection committee, not because I think that's a better system than rotations, but because I want to see what response it gets. So, how 'bout it? Should there be a UN Scientist Selection Committee, or a three month rotation schedule? My own opinion is that there should be a combination of both.

A huge elevator that goes into space? Cut that out and I would consider this piece of legislation serious.

I agree with Mislan here. The space station will be orbiting around the earth thus an elevator going from the space station to the ground would be impossible. Perhaps if you wish to continue this idea you can submit a building a space station issue in the issues part.

Sincerely,

M

Mothy
Emperor of the Empire of Mothy, Region of Nirn

I agree with Mislan here. The space station will be orbiting around the earth thus an elevator going from the space station to the ground would be impossible.

Actually, it's the UN Geosynchronous Space Research Station, meaning it is in a fixed spot above the Earth. Yeldan UN Mission has provided an excellent link on space elevators, located here. (http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/space_elevator_020327-1.html) Space elevators are perfectly feasable.

Ah so I see. Then is it possible to make it large enough to put say one person per supporting nation?

M

Mothy
Emperor of The Empire of Mothy, Region of Nirn

After all the information arrived and we have had time to review the recent draft of this proposal we find it very good. Many of our questions on it were answered in the additional information found on the elevator drawing sent us. As our own engineers went over them and wish to be involved in the project themselves.

Also on the issue of who shall be on board this station we agree that a UN committee should be formed to select those who do and also determine the time they might stay on board based on what projects they might be performing there. As I would give up time for my people to another if the cause is worth it to keep another up longer than say three months or whatever. This would be worked out in committee. Thus we find this one we would support..

We forget that not all 34000 nations in UN are going to want to send anyone to this station. Also that this proposal means those going up will be doing something for the good of mankind not sightseeing. Thus anything good that comes out of it will benifit the whole not just one nation under the proposal. If they invent the wheel up there then all will get a wheel.

Ah so I see. Then is it possible to make it large enough to put say one person per supporting nation?


If you'd bothered to read the text of the proposal, you would see that we ahve no intention of squeezing 34000 scientists onto the space station. And, like Zeldon says, not all 34000 nations are gonna want to send scientists. So far we have a committee to select scientists from UN member nations to go work onboard it, and we'll probably work in a bit about a three month rotation schedule. If you have any alternative suggestions, feel free to post them here. We're still working this out.

You'll notice I left in the bit about the selection committee, not because I think that's a better system than rotations, but because I want to see what response it gets. So, how 'bout it? Should there be a UN Scientist Selection Committee, or a three month rotation schedule? My own opinion is that there should be a combination of both.

OOC: I'm not crazy about the inclusion of committees in the text of resolutions. The passage of any resolution would require the establishment of a committee to oversee its implementation, but the committee is implied. You don't have to mention it in the text. I'd still support it even with the committee, I just don't see it as necessary.

As far as the size of the station and how many scientists it might hold, you can state that it is a modular design and that expansion is possible. It doesn't have to be the same size as the RL International Space Station. In fact, since we do have 34000 nations (with far greater economic resources) to potentially contribute instead of 191 it would probably be much larger. I wouldn't bother trying to determine the exact size of the crew though

OOC: I'm not crazy about the inclusion of committees in the text of resolutions.


OOC: The thing with the explination of the committee here for me is it defines what it might do in regards to the station. It may not in game be real but for purpose of role play and to satisfy those who might have objections to say a committee or military officers or lawyers to oversee the entire use of the station... This way it sets the committee as other than that. Like you say it a matter of what is prefered or what might be needed. I like the idea he did make it a joint committee of people that would know what they are doing not just some odd folks who have no idea what they might be doing. You leave it out and somebody will come along and ask who runs or controls it. So putting it in you arleady have that one answered.. I know how 'well' these committees work in NS others don't..... and you probably do to..

OK... I've submitted the final version of the proposal...

The UN Space Research Station

Category: Free Trade
Strength: Significant

RECOGNIZING that there is still much to be learned from experiments in outer space,

NOTING that not all nations have access to outer space,

UNDERSTANDING that new technologies developed from space research have found private sector applications in the past and that products derived from future space research could be infused into the free markets, and

CONFIRMING the UN's goal of fostering peace and cooperation between its member nations,

HEREBY CREATES the UN Geosynchronous Space Research Station (henceforth refered to as the UGSRS), allowing researchers from all UN member nations to participate in experiments performed outside the atmosphere,

STRONGLY URGES that UN member nations contribute to its development, whether through assisting in construction and providing raw materials or by contributing monetary funds, and that member nations capable of contributing further do so in the form of modular advances to the station in order to expand it's capabilities, and

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Transportation Elevator, a system designed to bridge the UGSRS with the ground to provide a transportation system for moving scientists, cargo, and power between the two,

WITH THE UNDERSTANDING that benefits derived from both the construction of the station and research conducted aboard it are to be made available to all UN member nations.

NOTING FURTHER that the UGSRS will be unable to support scientists from all 34,000 UN member nations,

ALSO CREATES the UGSRS Scientist Selection Committee, consisting of highly regarded peers of the scientific community throughout the Unite Nations, to narrow down and approve candidates to perform research onboard the station,

MANDATES that the station shall not be used as a means of infrigement upon the sovereignty of other nations.



It's currently on page twelve of the proposal list... approvals would be appreciated. :D I'll get around to a TG campaign tomorrow or the day after.

Approved. I'd offer to help with the TGs but I'm going to be pretty busy helping Venerable Libertarians with the Whaling repeal and Conservation of Wildlife Bill. Good luck!

Hmm.....debated on the week I was....not exactly paying attention to the vast majority of the UN forum (I believe I was debating Same Sex Marriage and Abortion at the time)

OOC: I'm not crazy about the inclusion of committees in the text of resolutions. The passage of any resolution would require the establishment of a committee to oversee its implementation, but the committee is implied. You don't have to mention it in the text. I'd still support it even with the committee, I just don't see it as necessary.

Considering that the proposal only says that the UN will come together to build this station - but says nothing about how the funding will be managed, how they are going to determine who gets to put a module where, who has the right to approve or refute a module, who has the responsibility of determining standardization of module docking issues (ie: so you don't have a square knob in round hole issue), overall design of the complex, who determines what experiments can or can't be run....the list goes on for several pages..... I'd say you don't need to talk about the committee

As far as the size of the station and how many scientists it might hold, you can state that it is a modular design and that expansion is possible. It doesn't have to be the same size as the RL International Space Station. In fact, since we do have 34000 nations (with far greater economic resources) to potentially contribute instead of 191 it would probably be much larger. I wouldn't bother trying to determine the exact size of the crew though

I was going to say that before I got to this post. Out of 191 countries on Earth, I think less than 50 that would be classified as industrialized, there were something like 20 that committed to the International Space Station. IIRC, it can hold a lot more than 20 people. I would guess that a much larger percentage of the NSUN is industrialized and there would be possibly as much - if not even more interest into this station than the International Space Station. Just like 34000 nations can build an elevator that 191 nations can't build, 34000 nations can build a sprawling complex that would scare the **** out of most hostile extra-terrestrial lifeforms.

Hack - I'm confused by your original post - why are you concerned about the security force (certainly, it doesn't need to be explicitly stated, but just like I'd hope there are resident mechanics, I also hope there's some form of security). If it's based entirely and only on the station....I can't see it as breaking the UN army rules so....

The Republic of Boll United stands firm in its rejection of this bill. It is completely unrealistic. The UN has officially lost its mind if it passes legislation demanding the cooperation of 34,000 nations in the construction and organization of a planet-sized space balloon perched on top of a humongous space elevator.

Phi Rowe of Raskolnikov
The Republic of Boll United


I wonder what the criticism was when someone first suggested the Horseless Carriage?







It reminds me of this debate I got in about 7 years ago...Where someone said to me "Hybrids cars? Gas-electric automobiles are a pseudo-science at best. And not to mention the economical feasibility, two engines in a car will make it twice as expensive."




He owns a Prius now.

I wonder what the criticism was when someone first suggested the Horseless Carriage?

It reminds me of this debate I got in about 7 years ago...Where someone said to me "Hybrids cars? Gas-electric automobiles are a pseudo-science at best. And not to mention the economical feasibility, two engines in a car will make it twice as expensive."

He owns a Prius now.

Wasn't it Bill Gates who said something like 128kB of RAM (or was it HD?) was all ANYBODY would need?

Or how about Christopher Columbus - 'cause we all know that story really well

The People of Moborith Firmly Support this Project and offer our full support.

I think the idea behind a Spce Station is great, seeing how it allows all UN nations to become technologically advanced enough to make space discoveries. However, the idea of a "space elevator" seems a little offish. I mean, granted with all of the nations we have, we could do it, but honestly a space elevator...

And my main concern is, where would the base of the Space Elevator go? With 34,000 different nations, I forsee some future animosity as to where the Bottom goes...

I think the idea behind a Spce Station is great, seeing how it allows all UN nations to become technologically advanced enough to make space discoveries. However, the idea of a "space elevator" seems a little offish. I mean, granted with all of the nations we have, we could do it, but honestly a space elevator...

My bigger concern is whether we need more than one space elevator...... But I think you might agree that a space elevator is better than howevermany tons of rocket fuel we currently use to get into space....

And my main concern is, where would the base of the Space Elevator go? With 34,000 different nations, I forsee some future animosity as to where the Bottom goes...

How about the tallest structure on the planet......the UN building......?

I can agree that it would be better then wasting tons of fuel, however, it's still a little Science Fiction...

And you want to put a Gigantic elevator, whose base will weigh god knows how much, ontop of the UN building?

You pose an interesting idea Maxus Fatus (sorry if I wrote that incorrectly). I think with some editing this bill could stand a real chance at the polls. However, like many of the other participants in this thread, I agree that only those nations who choose to donate to the cause should be permitted to use it. Perhaps those nations involved could create a Board which could vote on whether or not a poorer nation should be permitted to participate. If they agree that said poor nation has good information to offer (particular scientists, research, new ideas that could benefit all...or other such contributions) a deal might be struck between the board and that nation. The contribution doesn't necessarily have to be money or supplies.

Secondly, I'm not so sure I agree with the space elevator idea. If indeed it were created for the use of all participating nations, I would hope that there would be a mandatory fee involved for any who choose to use the elevator (not necessarily the space station itself). More wealthy nations might be able to provide their own transportation, but such a machine (for lack of better words) would be very expensive to upkeep and run. It would require a constant source of funds. If a nation is so poor that it can't pull up its own economy or fund any part of their own space research, I don't think they should be focusing on such high goals until they get their own affairs in order first anyways.
Keep up the good work with your draft; it sounds promising.
_Prime Minister of Barad-Du

I can agree that it would be better then wasting tons of fuel, however, it's still a little Science Fiction...

I point you to the note that the only reason it isn't feasable in modern society is because of the lack of funds - not technology

And you want to put a Gigantic elevator, whose base will weigh god knows how much, ontop of the UN building?

Fine - put the base next to the building (a bit of extra distance to go up, but deals with not having to dig up the old UN blueprints and figure out whether it's possible - though quite frankly, with all the extensions we've made both above and underground, it's a sheer wonder that this building doesn't collapse) - perhaps even make an extension to one hallway of the building so that you have access from the UN building. Maybe put it next to the UNSC department. Regardless, you put it on UN grounds which is international territory....problem solved.

I was just going to say that! :D The base of the elevator should be next to the UN complex. I didn't feel it was important to be included enough in the proposal text, but I suppose it can go in the imaginary "bylaws" that come with each resolution.

You pose an interesting idea Maxus Fatus (sorry if I wrote that incorrectly). I think with some editing this bill could stand a real chance at the polls. However, like many of the other participants in this thread, I agree that only those nations who choose to donate to the cause should be permitted to use it. Perhaps those nations involved could create a Board which could vote on whether or not a poorer nation should be permitted to participate. If they agree that said poor nation has good information to offer (particular scientists, research, new ideas that could benefit all...or other such contributions) a deal might be struck between the board and that nation. The contribution doesn't necessarily have to be money or supplies.

Secondly, I'm not so sure I agree with the space elevator idea. If indeed it were created for the use of all participating nations, I would hope that there would be a mandatory fee involved for any who choose to use the elevator (not necessarily the space station itself). More wealthy nations might be able to provide their own transportation, but such a machine (for lack of better words) would be very expensive to upkeep and run. It would require a constant source of funds. If a nation is so poor that it can't pull up its own economy or fund any part of their own space research, I don't think they should be focusing on such high goals until they get their own affairs in order first anyways.
Keep up the good work with your draft; it sounds promising.
_Prime Minister of Barad-Du

It's Fatus Maximus- written exactly like it's written. :eek:

This is a philosophical debate we're getting into here. :D

In particular, the two items our opinions differ over the most are:

(bold is what I interpret your position to be from your post)

1. Only nations that contribute to the construction of the station should recieve the benefits of the research. I feel this is a slippery slope, and disagree with it. As you have pointed out, nations of greater economies and technologies can obviously contribute more to the project than can a stone age tech nation. Should the more powerful nation (the nation able to contribute more) recieve more of the results than the stone age nation (the nation who is unable to contribute as much)? I believe all the nations should recieve the same amount of information pertaining to new technologies. Now, granted, there are nations that will just sit back and let other nations do the work for them, reaping the results of the experiment. I say let them. Yes, it may seem unfair, but if a stone age tribe can get access to the station's benefits merely for sending some diamonds or lugwrenches, it doesn't matter anyway.

2. Nations that are so poor that they can't even contribute to the station should get their own affairs in order. There are many tech levels in the NS world- a past tech nation could be at the peak of their economy and still be dirt poor compared to a space age nation whose citizenry encompass entire planets. As you pointed out, perhaps even merely having a good idea would merit deserving access to the station. I would disagree. If the stone age tribe in the above scenario can't spare any diamonds or lugwrenches, it would be unfair for us to mandate that the only way for them to get on the station is to come up with an interesting theory on hyperspace physics that can be tested onboard.