Boris E. Stern. Ark 47 Libra (paper book)

Great science fiction. I would even say: classic SF that raises fundamental questions like “where are we heading?” and “what can we achieve?” In terms of the level of elaboration of the text, attention to detail and the general message, it does not seem to be Soviet science fiction.

The author suffers from a slight liberalism of the brain, but this hardly spoils the text. Personally, I believe that large, long-term projects that do not promise benefits for 5–10 years are the destiny of the state exclusively. Individuals/firms and so on are simply not able to think in such categories. They will not be able to accumulate even a small part of the required amount of forces and resources. Would the same Korolev have been able to achieve what he achieved in reality if he had not been put under cruel control in a sharazhka, not allowing him to waste time quarreling with colleagues and working “on the table”? I don't think I could. The author thinks differently. This is our common right to freedom of thought.

...in general, it would be great if some country declared space expansion as its global goal. I wonder if it would have worked or not?

The author also has a novel “Ice Shell”. This is also a very life-affirming and correct book.