Panel blasts ‘Star Wars’ Idea
By Michele Matassa
Of llw Emerald
Pres. Ronald Reagan’s recent "Star Wars"
proposal — a request for study on a space
based defense against nuclear attack — came
under the gun Wednesday as three University
experts reviewed its feasibility and cost
effectiveness.
Physics professor Rudolph Hwa pointed to
problems with the systems implementation.
The defense system under consideration
involves 50 space stations. Eight to ten of these
would be placed over the Soviet Union, and
would be responsible for blocking 1000 Soviet
nuclear missiles, Hwa said.
The missiles would have to be destroyed
above the Earth’s hemisphere so air particles
wouldn’t interfere with the combat.
Because the stations could only fire at
missiles within a certain time period, each sta
tion would have to destroy one missile every
half-second, Hwa said.
A particle-beam defense would not be
feasible because the particles would either
spread too thin or bend off course, missing the
targeted missiles, Hwa said.
Because it would need to detect an object,
identify it as a missile, track it, aim and fire in
pulses to gather momentum, a laser system
would be difficult to implement, he said.
The pulses would require 700 tons of fuel
on each space station. Since space shuttles
can carry only 30 tons of fuel in one trip, Hwa
estimated “you would need 50 years to
transport all the fuel you need to those sta
tions. That’s a long time.
"You can quibble with the numbers I’m giv
ing you, but if anything I’m giving
underestimates,” Hwa said.
Dave Soper, also a physics professor, said
even if some space defense could be
developed, the Soviets could deploy a number
of countermeasures.
Soper referred to Hwa’s sample defense
system:
"I’m willing to say that’s possible. But
remember, we’re not talking about something
simple like going to the moon, here. We're talk
ing about war, where people are generally try
ing to stop what you’re doing.”
He said the Russians could easily build
more missiles, make decoy missiles, or send
up “confusing” radar signals to disturb the U.S.
tracking device.
Alternate deployment methods also would
serve the Soviets’ purpose of avoiding the
American defense system.
The missiles could be deployed on sub
marines, cruise missiles that fly low to the
ground.
"They could send the bombs in boxes
marked ‘TV,’ ” Soper joked.
Steve Johnson, a doctoral candidate in
sociology, said the actual implementation of a
space-based defense system would devastate
the 1972 anti-ballistic missile (ABM) Treaty.
Historic house given breathing spell
The Eugene city historic
review board bought a little
time for the former Alpha Tau
Omega house Wednesday
night, deciding to try for city
funding sources to save the
historic house from
demolition.
During a special meeting,
the board voted 3-0 to recom
mend the city consider ap
propriating $125,000 in various
city and federal loans available
this year for development
projects.
Possible funding sources
include $20,000 from the city’s
historic restoration loan fund,
$50,000 from the federally
supported commercial
redevelopment loan program
and $55,000 in community
development block grant
funds.
The motion delayed for 60
days a permit granting demoli
tion of the 73-year-old house,
located on Oak Street between
11th and 12th Avenues in
downtown Eugene. However,
the board noted the 60-day
period began two weeks ago
when a public hearing was
held on the house issue.
The house owners, Eugene
residents Julius and Marian
Hessel, recently applied to the
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board for a demolition permit
because they have been
unable to find a feasible use or
a buyer for the house. They
owe $47,000 in back taxes and
have not received any income
from the property in three
years.
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Who Owns the Bookstore?
It’s your bookstore: University of Oregon students, faculty, and classified staff are all
members. And because you "own stock” in the non-profit corporation, you are entitled
to hear the corporation’s annual report, reviewing it’s policies and giving comments
and suggestions.
Attend the Bookstore’s Annual Meeting for the membership and hear what the
officers of the Bookstore are doing to meet and serve your needs. The proposed
bylaw changes will be explained and discussed at the meeting.
Who makes decisions for the Bookstore?
The Board of Directors and Bookstore management work together to serve its
membership. The Board of Directors, 8 students, 2 faculty and 1 classified staff, work
as the main policy making body. Five unpaid positions on the Board are open for
nomination. One freshman position for a two year term
Two sophmore positions for two year terms
One graduate position for a two year term
One faculty position for a two year term
Nominations will be taken at the annual meeting.
Your involvement and/or suggestions make the Bookstore work for you. All members
are invited to attend the Annual meeting for the membership. Eight gift certificates,
totaling $100 will be given away, and donuts and soft drinks will be served.
April 21, 1983
3:30 p.m.
231 Gilbert Hall
The meeting is limited to members only.
Please bring your UO identification.