“We have already taken the one small step for mankind and landed on the moon. We have seen it, we have conquered it, we have explored it - but our presence has not been sustained. For the benefit of mankind, the survival of our natural resources on Earth and for the proliferation of space exploration, it is now time for the next logical step - an international lunar colony. A colony where men, women and children can live without the need of a continuous supply of materials and technology from Earth; a self-supporting colony where the great circle of life can be sustained in its entirety by lunar raw materials and where all life-sustaining products will be manufactured in situ“.
That was over 40 years ago. Here's what I wrote shortly after the 40th anniversary:
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Space program 40 years later. Is it going down hill ?
40 years after Apollo 11. That exciting time was soon forgotten as was the space program. Sure, we visited the Moon. What have we done since that has grabbed our attention? Space Shuttle accidents. Not much reason to get our hopes up.What happened to Arthur C Clarke's grand vision. Yes we have shuttle launches frequently manned by people we don't know, partially because the media outlets who should be spreading this news are talking about more consequential things like Sarah Palin, Michael Jackson and of course which politician is screwing who. Also, we just lost Walter Cronkite who was as excited about the space program as most of us kids. How do we bring that level of enthusiasm back to the public and back to the media .Maybe most of us are too young to remember the lunar landing, And there is absolutely nothing going on now going on in space that isn't boring. NASA launched a cable TV show. I'm watching it right now. Where are the aliens the movies promised us, Didn't Richard Dreyfuss welcome them . Space should be interesting, On NASA TV we have continuing coverage of Its ISS mission coverage. Ooooh someones going to exercise, how cool. Oh my god this is worse than CSPAN. I guess I'm not enough of a nerd to follow this. Or else my meds are kicking in, because I'm falling asleep listening to this . Great shot of mission control is on screen They're building a picture and working on the problem. I guess problem is solved Houston gave them the green light to continue. Then the narrator comes on and explains what your seeing which is people just sitting. Whoa someone just rocketed through two cabins with bare feet. Now that's what I'm talking about. Living in microgravity with no shoes. I wonder if they will take up an aging ex-weather guesser who wets himself constantly. Probably not! Wait a second: A NASA talking head is giving us a pep talk touting NASA's acomplishments and introducing new administratrors. Charlie Bolden the new director said he will try not to bore us. Oh Oh, I'm starting to get some excitement back.
Okay, maybe not yet, This next clip describes NASA's plan. Its a little lengthy but worth the time.
Dr: Järvstråt on his site has outlined a very ambitious plan for lunar colonization. No matter how this is done, this is going to be an expensive operation. It will take some time as well. So why should we do this? There are many commercial and environmental reason for building a lunar colony, Plus the technologies that may be developed ,much as they were during the build up to the first lunar landing may, help to offset costs. Mostly it would make this little boy who hasn't quite grown up very, very happy.
Hey, Tag ~ I've read your post and I'm brewing on a comment. It will take me awhile. Thanks for the shout-out.
ReplyDeleteTell me about "grew up in SoCal". I'm a displaced native. Where and for how long for you?
I posted that reply on your blog. I actually only spent a short time in LA from age 13 to 18 and again from 22-27 when I moved north to SF. That was in 1980. Been all over the world since.
ReplyDeleteHey, I replied on the commentary on my blog just now. Please don't miss it. You spent 10 years there (Cali), so that's not insignificant. It's "home" to me, even though I will likely never live there again.
ReplyDeleteI think blogging, cyber relationships, what I call " 'tend friends" is a fascinating thing. I am ALL about people interacting with other people. I get that you retired - young, like I did, but I had to regroup and take different steps - you're only 55. How is your health now? Are you healthy, fearful, counting, hopeful or ??
I also kind of like the social networking thing. At first I was hesitant. Opened up a facebook account(blogged this too) last month.I retired from the Navy 12 years ago here in Norfolk, VA. Worked odd jobs since, now unemployed since 09/08. Looking for work. My health s sketchy, otw I'm happy,fearful, hopeful and depressed sometimes all at the same time. soon I get to ask questions about you.
ReplyDelete