In a message dated 7/12/99 8:17:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, djmullen@facstaff.wisc.edu writes: > As you can see, Russia doesn't have much room to maneuver here. Many > are angry that they're going to leave it unmanned even for a short time > because of the possibilities outlined above. > > Dave, N9LTD In the meantime, Mir has a number of leaks that can't be located, so it is constantly wasting air. There is an excellent documentary airing on PBS, with lots of video and interviews with the astronauts and cosmonauts involved in the recent disasters. One of NASA's astronauts says something along the lines of "We as humans have a tendency not to know when to close a chapter. Mir had many wonderful years, but it is time to close that chapter with dignity, before someone gets killed." (or words to that effect).