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spacerace_v_bw_o_n (1958 press photo2)

“A decade ago, Tinsley foresaw the space satellite as an “Ultimate Weapon.” This manned fortress in the universe could fire deadly missiles at any spot on earth. A supply rocket enters the landing port of the giant sphere, which has a solar power plant extending from its right and an observatory on top. The moon is at upper left.”

 

An observatory? Why not, right? Might as well combine astronomical observations & discoveries while raining down death & destruction from orbit.

 

AWESOME:

 

forums.spacebattles.com/threads/us-defense-secretary-forr...

Credit: SPACEBATTLES.COM website

 

"Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station!"

Credit: George Lucas/Lucas Films

 

Note also what appears to be the targeted continent...timely eh? Or maybe the entire eastern hemisphere is fair game?

 

Note also that the Aral Sea is depicted...

earthobservatory.nasa.gov/WorldOfChange/aral_sea.php

...as it was still in existence at this time.

 

Other Tinsley works:

 

www.flickr.com/photos/x-ray_delta_one/albums/721576231107...

Credit: James Vaughan

 

Despite any technical inaccuracies, proportionality errors, etc., I find Mr. Tinsley’s work to be bold, visually rich and evocative - and a mix of both dystopian and utopian. During his career, he eventually also wrote articles to accompany his works, as in this case.

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Uploaded on July 25, 2018