Spaceport RT   Sat Mar 13, 1993
D.ANDERMAN

This message may be freely copied>>>>>>>>>>>

         The Back to the Moon Bill - the Next Step

  Progress on the Lunar Resources Data Purchase Act is being made on all
fronts: private research companies are becoming aware and extremely
interested in participating in the bidding process; congresspersons and
senators are expressing interest in enactment of this ground-breaking
legislation; officials within NASA and other government agencies look at the
Lunar Resources Data Purchase Act as a new means of turning America back
towards lunar exploration; several pro-space organizations such as the Lunar
Power Systems Coalition view the bill as the first, necessary step in a
return to the Moon.

  However, one vital element is missing from this mosaic of diverse
supporting groups: the space activist community, specifically - you. 

  The Lunar Resources Data Purchase Act would authorize the U.S. government
to purchase lunar science from the private sector, with vendors selected on
the basis of competitive bidding. A cap on the bids is set at $65 million,
with allowances for multiple, separate winning bidders to be selected if the
total amount of the bids is under the cap. Both private and non-profit U.S.
entities are allowed to bid, with organizations such as AMSAT, Lunar
Exploration Inc.  and the Experimental Spacecraft Society encouraged by the
authors of the LRDPA to bid.

  For the Back to the Moon Bill to successfully pass through Congress, we
need the activist community, and you, to spend a few minutes to write a
letter to their congresspersons asking them to assist in the introduction
and enactment of the Lunar Resources Data Purchase Act. The following is a
sample letter that you may copy to send to your elected officials in
Washington:

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The Honorable XXXX XXXXXXXX
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative XXXXXXXX:

  Please assist in the introduction and passage of the Lunar Resources Data
Purchase Act. This proposed legislation would provide an incentive for
private companies to develop new technologies on a cost effective basis, and
regain America's leadership in lunar exploration.

Thank you for your support of America's space program.

Sincerely,

{Your name} 
{Your address}
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  If you should have any questions about the LRDPA, the above letter, or
your elected officials, please call David Anderman at 714/524-1674, or your
nearest National Space Society chapter. 

  Remember - the future of America's lunar program, stalled since 1972, no
longer rests in the hands of the politicians - it now relies on you. Please
send your letter today.