[Quanders]

I guess if you really want to be specifically fair - what was the Tibet's circumstance at the time of writing - 1966?

Had they regained independence or were they living under Chinese rule day-to-day. Talking trends here, as relates to Heinlein.

I don't know myself, I'm asking.
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Also, anyone know of decent, recent sources on catapult development - Heinlein mentions building on West face of Mountain/higher elevations.

I'm wondering why the mass driver isn't being more seriously pursued right now.
(though I'm aware of 1+ bil development costs)

Whoever did so, it would seem, could potentially monopolize orbit payloads.
Something desperately needed right around the corner.