Science: Out Across Immensity

Britain is not even building high-altitude rockets, let alone space ships. But this practical detail does not bother the thriving organization of imaginative zealots called the British Interplanetary Society, whose purpose is "development of interplanetary exploration and communication." Last week the B.I.S. had a record 580 members, including such philosophical well-wishers as George Bernard Shaw. The most active members are scientists from Britain's great research laboratories. Said one of these undauntedly: "So far, the whole [high altitude rocket] program is American. We cannot afford to sponsor direct development. But even if we have nothing but pencil and paper, we intend to...

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