Risks already known... (Score 1)

This info is not new. Know and considered for some time by NASA and others. Also, this is typically outside the expertise of the FAA (where the report originated from), so that's odd. Here's a link to an overview of work on this problem... http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/24jun_elec trostatics.htm [nasa.gov] ALSO, be sure to check out the links to more info at the bottom of that page. As far as the value of spaceflight, NASA uses less than 1/10th of 1 percent of the Federal Budget, and returns an average of $3+ to every $1 spent in technology returns. This of course doesn't measure the value of inspiration to youth in pursuing careers in science, engineering, and medicine. Also, providing prestige to the nation and expanding the frotiers of human knowledge for application here on earth (e.g. study of global change began with NASA funded research).