To: limtex who wrote (2599 ) 1/20/1999 6:51:00 PM From: Valueman Read Replies (2) | Respond to
I am beginning to realize what you say is the truth. There is a possibility that we will never have a TSA. That must be on the list of what happens(or doesn't happen) next. Realize that a cancellation of Soyuz will mean another $175 million pissed away(by the way, pissed away another $1 million today)just because of time delay, and then another so many million lost in payment to Starsem. The launchers to replace Soyuz will add to the cost as well. Seven Deltas and an Ariane are not enough. We will need more launchers, but where?--we can't go to the Chinese as that would be political suicide, the French are good, but basically double the cost on a per satellite basis--that leaves Delta(we have all of those we can get in the near future), or Atlas(never heard that one mentioned), Proton(needs TSA), Ariane 5 is a good bet--they can toss out a good 20 per launch(try it--it is time to exhibit oversized testicular dimensions), Zenit is ready and waiting and needs no TSA. Go Zenit! We have a 4 month wait--try a Zenit! If it blows, collect the insurance, build the replacements, and start Deltas in May. IT IS A NO BRAINER. ARE YOU LISTENING G*??? We have 4 wasted months to go. You are going to burn $150 million. Our stock values are going to crater anyway--LAUNCH THE ZENIT! What is there to lose? If insurance covers the loss of satellites, and you get full replacement value, try it. Do 12. As long as we are not held up from going with Delta in May, there is absolutely no risk. What am I missing? The launch is free remember. The dispenser is undoubtedly ready to go. The satellites are there. GO! No TSA required, no customers in your way. If the first one fails, fire up another. Plenty of time. Let your insurance carry the risk.
