".....floating in space is the most wonderful thing, (and he would) like to do it forever and ever."

Ilan's uncle said this is from a chat with Ilan hours before the ill fated ending. I found this in the NY Times... but didn't save the source... i've not been able to come across this again...

I originally called it Solar Civilization... 

Well ~ I don't know if anyone has seen the image I posted above! I can't see it now... but it was there when I first posted it!

there's a space shuttle with a fanciful portrayal of our solar system.... in the background...

Beth