Yesterday there was a commentary posted on CNN.com about the future of the space race. I was born around the time the Berlin Wall fell, which leaves me with no memories of the rivalry. With that in mind it also leaves me with no recollection of the original space race to the moon. Even though I personally have no connection to this part of history, there is a huge part of me that really wants to see another space race...of some kind.
Looking back to history and then quickly glancing towards today, leaves one with awe and amazement of the stories that were left behind. From the exciting Apollo missions to the saddening Challenger and the embodiment of immortalized heroes such as Glenn, Armstrong, and of course Aldrin (the writer of the commentary). Along with this history there is still those controversies that surround many of the events leaving a much deeper interest into space. This interest has spread to the pop media with movies, books, and video games. From classic movies such as 2001: Space Odyssey, Star Trek, and Star Wars to current blockbusters like the just released Transformer sequel, space is shown as a conquerable feat that yields many possibilities. Then the real question is why in today's real world not too many care about space?
Buzz has it partially right with the thought that no competition has impeded on the excitement. Without that competitive drive, it is difficult to concentrate on something abstract with wars breaking out across the globe and attempts at peace are being made between nations. He continues this thought by making the claim that colonization would be a better drive, however, if ever made public (since most people have a feeling that space colonization is a common goal for humanity). I would add to this that the world of nations as a whole needs to look at space as a place for opportunities, not just a place that endlessly devours money. Many people lose sight that the last space race brought forth the technology of the microchip...which I cannot even imagine what life would be like without that discovery. I challenge the world to pursue space not only for the mystery of it or for the practicality of it, but for the benefit for continuing and advancing technology.
"Space: the final frontier" needs to be tested. The statement needs to be changed to "Space: the current frontier." People need this for reasons that I feel are self explanatory, but more importantly space leaves many opportunities that makes it one of the more pertinent topics that needs to be explored. Until the nations of the world see the truth behind this, I am going to keep the stars on my mind, and hopefully you will too.
