Dear Abby:
Not to offend any of the science community, but doesn't this sound a little patronizing as far as getting research grants goes? I mean, I can see the addendum on the paperwork:
"PS: And besides the really great science, it will cause a spectacular show on the fourth of July. Advertising to the world once again that the US has still got it...
Thank you for your consideration of my project"
And not that any of it's true, it just seems like the "one second window" would be for a target date of July 4th and other windows would be perfectly ok for less significant dates. Otherwise, doesn't this seem a little risky to invest all this money for a one second launch window?
Sincerely yours,
Puzzled in Arizona