Galileo

“Rough Trip, Jubilant Arrival” (editorial, Dec. 8) did not impress me. The time, money and expertise of the Galileo mission to Jupiter in my opinion is a waste.

Everyone, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists, is elated. There are, however, noncheering people, including thousands afflicted with AIDS and cancer. Investigations should start closer to home. The moneys and wasted expertise on the Jupiter project could help greatly in conquering the dreaded diseases of AIDS and cancer. FLOYD A. NASSIF MD

Glendale

* I’m writing to congratulate the team of scientists who conceived, planned and gave birth to the Galileo mission. Too often science has been criticized for creating problems that were really the product of human self-indulgence, excesses and self-gratification. For all the problems attributed to science (ergo, all technology), it was science that eventually relieved much of the pain and suffering in the world.

The tremendous accomplishment by the Galileo probe reinforces our confidence in the ability of humans to dream the impossible and make it happen. The benefits derived from this will find their way to help all of us. And if our frailties as humans cause us to falter we can thank “our lucky stars” that enough quality scientists are out there searching for answers. Answers that treat us all the same.

ALAN M. KRANE

Los Angeles

* As Tom Harris points out (Commentary, Dec. 7), the Galileo voyage to Jupiter is interesting and exciting and is indisputably a great achievement. But would the expenditures have been made if the project had been put to a vote of the poor, homeless and hungry? NAT BERCOVITZ

Newport Beach Caption: ROMAN GENN for The Times