_n_8 ______NEVVS, ______~N~A~TU~RE~V~0~L~.~~1~2~7~·J~ANU~AR~Y~I~~3

X-ray satellite Instant winner Odds on Winner of the black-and-white AT a "restricted session" of its councillast light microscopy category in week, the (ESA) Polaroid Corporation's first decided to lay the groundwork for a worldwide instant photo­ micrography competition. The possible launch of the European X-ray photograph is an enlargement astronomy satellite, EXOSAT, on a Thor­ of a polyester monofilament Delta rocket from the US National recorded in polarized mono­ Aeronautics and Space Administration chromatic light on Polaroid Type 55 postive/negative film (NASA), in case the present ground trials with a Carl Zeiss Ultraphot II on lead to further delays in the . It was taken by European launching programme. A final Karl Nettelnstroth, a micro­ decision as to whether the satellite is to be scopist at Hoechst AG in launched on the Ariane or on a Thor will be Frankfurt. made on 23 February. ESA has been under pressure from ­ pean astronomers to take the politically embarrassing step of a Thor launch ever Romania/US relations since it became clear that delays in the Ariane programme (after the failure of LS, the fifth Ariane launch in September 1982) Problems on both sides were likely to harm EXOSAT's scientific WESTERN countries are attempting to which, it says, has been exploited under potential (see Nature 6 January, p.8). Last employ "neocolonial" methods by various pretexts in the past. In fact, week's decision represents a formal recruiting academic skilled labour from emigration is already virtually restricted to acknowledgement that the problem exists Romania, a leading Bucharest daily news­ the 3,000 Jews and 12,000 ethnic Germans and should be catered for. As a result, paper, Romania Libera, alleged last week. who in recent years have been allowed to scientists from ESTEC, ESA's technical The claim, in an article which ostensibly leave annually for Israel or West . centre in the , are visiting the reviewed the state of education in The new law, if implemented, would United States to make contingency plans Romania, came only a few days after the reduce this annual flow to those few with NASA. The modifications required return to the United States of Mr Lawrence persons fortunate enough to have friends on the satellite to switch launchers would Eagleburger, a senior State Department or relatives abroad to buy them out. Under be minor. official who had visited Romania as a Clause 504A of the United States Trade The key question for ESA is whether presidential envoy. A major part of Mr Act of 1974 (the "Jackson amendment"), there is time to launch EXOSA T before the Eagleburger's mission was to explain to the imposition of any such "education end of the summer launch "window" for the Romanians the United States' attitude tax" on emigrants automatically excludes Ariane. EXOSAT is set to be carried by the to the new Romanian emigration law which the country concerned from enjoying seventh Ariane, L 7, but before that L6 has was suddenly promulgated last November. favoured nation status (MFN) with the to be launched. It is scheduled for May but Under this law, every would-be emigrant United States. is still undergoing trials of its turbo-pumps would have to repay the Romanian state Should the new rule be implemented, which have been modified to take account the total cost of his or her higher education, the US Senate would be unable to renew of the failings of L5. Although everybody from the last two years of secondary school Romania's MFN when it expires next June. is tight-lipped there are rumours that the upwards. This sum, which could amount to The announcement of the education tax launch of L6 may be delayed until June, as much as $SO,OOO, must be paid in "hard last November drew an immediate which would barely leave time for L7 to go currency" - which Romanian citizens are response from the US State Department, up within the summer launch "window", forbidden to possess. deploring this move and drawing attention given the expected turn around of about According to Romania Libera these to Clause S04A. The strength of the eight weeks for successive Ariane launches. measures have been introduced out of a American reaction - coupled with equally If the rumours are true, therefore, a Thor­ "deeply patriotic concern for the sharp criticism from West Germany and Delta launch is virtually a certainty - and patrimony of the Romanian people", Israel - seems to have taken the would take place from Vandenberg Air Romanians by surprise. Nevertheless, Force Base, California, in late June. during Mr Eagleburger's visit they NASA will require notice for such a continued to maintain that emigration is launch by the end of February. The finan­ causing a serious "brain drain" and so it is cial consequences of such a decision by only fair that the emigrants should repay ESA are expected to be minor, but would the Romanian economy for its educational depend on negotiations between ESA on investment in them. This, however, does the one hand and NASA and not explain why the emigrants cannot pay on the other. One suggestion is that the in Romanian currency. money already paid for the L 7 launch could So far no cases of emigrants having to be banked by Arianespace as a future repay education costs have been contribution to the cost of launching substantiated. The delay in implementing , ESA's mission to Halley's comet. the law had raised hopes in the West that Despite the political embarrassment of while not losing international face by such a move, it could have a compensatory formally abrogating the law, the benefit for Arianespace. There is a queue Romanians might be intending to let it of communication satellites waiting for an remain a dead letter. The tone of the Ariane launch, and Arianespace may well Romania Libera article, and its timing so be relieved of pressure and uncertainty if soon after Mr Eagleburger's visit, now EXOSAT is removed from its waiting list. make the fulfilment of such hopes unlikely. Philip Campbell Vera Rich

~ 1983 Macmillan Journals Lid