Posted 5/25/2007 04:36:00 PM by Douglas

Great article on the future of the manned spaceflight program, or at least what it should be.

Now, we are back to something like the ’60s approach again, human space exploration for its own sake. The question is still, “Why?” If we don’t know why we are doing something then we are going to have major problems planning that effort—and have even greater problems in justifying it.

The first thing we have to do is realize that the old, previously used justifications are going to have to be tossed over the side of the boat and allowed to sink out of sight. Let’s face some facts: the justifications we used before not only did not work, they ultimately led to disaster.

The old "because it's there" is the best justification I can think of, but that a real tough sell when you want to do it with public money. But I totally agree with the stunts needing to end, stop the "for the kids" and spin-offs bullshit.

We need to state, up front and forth with, that manned space exploration represents the ultimate act of self-actualization for the human race in general and the United States of America in particular. We need to say that we need to send humans “out there” in order to feel that we—as a race and as a nation—are complete, individually and collectively. It’s not just about demonstrating leadership. It’s not just about satisfying the questing human spirit. It’s about all those things, but especially, it is about what we should do next after we have satisfied our lower-level needs. We all really think that; let’s not be afraid to say it out loud.

Damn right. I don't think I could say anything I didn't already say here, but sometimes it's easier to go than it is not to. After all, you don't know what you'll find on a voyage of discovery until you get there.