Hi ST in BG,

That term "Esssassani" reminds me of two esoteric groups from Earth´s history:

firstly, the Essenes of 1st century BC to 1st c. AD Judea;

secondly, the Hashishans or Assassins of Alamut in Iran, who later merged into the Ismailis.

Is there any connection between them or is it just my false etymology.

Thanks for your post re NASA by the way!