[FPSPACE] Soviet/Russian "official" histories

[Peter Pesavento]

I would echo David Rickman's sentiments here.

 

>From my point of view, the business of sleuthing out and understanding
history of Russia in the 20th century (which  also includes space
exploration activities) is very much akin metaphorically to a "betting man's
paradise"-it's nearly a given that if one bets (whether conservatively, or
high-stakes-wise)--on the concept that any published/issued article, book,
film, brochure, or magazine/newspaper reportage on some aspect of the Soviet
space effort is incomplete--the bettor would be a winner far more often than
not.  And that also includes materials that have come out of the current
time frame.

 

This is also applicable to materials being published in the West.

 

Due to the fact that Russian history of the 20th century has been so
distorted by a political system that valued secrecy and falsehood telling
above all other things, it may indeed be that another century may yet have
to pass before a more true, more complete, and more accurate overview of
what took place in "the Land of the Soviets" will be in hand.

 

That doesn't mean researchers shouldn't make the effort to trailblaze into
the "terra incognita Sovieticus"..quite the contrary.  The more forays made,
the more pressure is put upon Russian researchers to do likewise.  

 

And progress is being made.  Just that it is in "fits and starts."  More
fits.  And many starts.  But not many "Cosmic Finishes."

 

And there is a further wrinkle with the many negative forewarnings for those
wanting to "get at the Truth."  A number of Russia-based investigative
journalists have paid the ultimate price. Another is that Russian
bureaucracy needs prodding as well-an example (if my memory serves right) is
a book that encompasses all of Mishin's technical notations/notebooks (not
the foreshortened effort now being done by elements associated with NASA in
the States, which is being done without the full set of the notebooks) has
been sitting since 2004 awaiting final approval for publication over in
Russia (it is fully complete otherwise).  To be issued by DROFA publishers,
if memory serves.  It currently is in limbo.

 

As one saying (paraphrased) states:  Truth, crushed to Earth, shall always
rise once more.

 

 

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