The Southern California Federation of Scientists, SCFS, was formed to meet the responsibility of scientists and engineers in promoting the welfare of humanity and the achievement and maintenance of world peace. Modern technological developments have brought into focus the need for more active social and political participation by technical people. SCFS is an interdisciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, scholars and concerned citizens dedicated to providing independent scientific and technical analyses and expertise on issues affecting Science, Society and Public Policy. SCFS welcomes all persons who are concerned that science and technology be used to enhance the human condition.
Southern California Federation of Scientists
“Science in the Public Interest”
3318 Colbert Avenue, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310)390-3898 (voice or fax), www.scfs-la.org
News and Meeting Announcement
News from April 1 meeting
Dues payment is bad news; less than half have paid for 2013. Victoria needs to send an exceptionally strong reminder notice.
Bob Furber presented a list of critical problems for SCFS: global warming, water shortage, energy shortage, nuke bombs and power, orbital debris, collapse of the biosphere, and overpopulation.
Brian Lindquist is interested in an evacuated tube transport system, ETS, which would allow speeds of 4000 mph and extend worldwide. One severe problem is keeping the tube level
Bob Furber is publishing a paper on orbital spacecraft trajectories.
High speed rail for California is plagued by political manipulation, the technology not being a problem.
Bob Nelson noted that ion propulsion is good to build up speed and then momentum takes a spacecraft out as gravitation “sling-shot” forces are utilized. The Cassini spacecraft also utilized an RTG power source with tens of kg of Pu-238.
Brittney Gallagher and Brandon Barney are planning to revise the SCFS website keeping all the present content but making the site more attractive. They are also developing a long-term strategy for more science on KPFK. They will also develop an SCFS YoutTube video regarding San Onofre problems which allows for the 3-4 minute attention span of most viewers.
Nabil Elgabalawi works on GPS systems and is concerned with how different systems are being integrated, particularly the way military and civilian efforts are competing with each other.
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