Moscow, We’ve Got a Problem

Russia’s aging Mir space station may not be scrapped after all, officials say. Walt Anderson, an American venture capitalist, has put up $7 million, with promises of $14 million more, to lease the 14-year-old station and renovate it as a high-priced vacation resort. “This is an extremely serious effort,” promises Mir Corp. President Jeffrey Manber. “We believe that if we are successful, the renovation of Mir will be one of the great undertakings of the century.” (Reuters) ...Fourteen years of astronomical and life-science research: boring details. Dumping the equipment to make room for socialite sleep-overs: one of the great undertakings of the century.