In celebration of the 40 year anniversary

[basketcase]

But that political decision created a massive injection of funds into science from the early grades of school right on up to industry. It created a whole lot of scientists, engineers, and people with just a good understanding of the way the world works. Most of these people never got involved in the space program but instead went on to build and create all sorts of wonders for the rest of us. I would also believe that the internet grew out of the science of the space race and the institutions that supported it.

I agree that getting to the moon was not the most worthwhile action but the simple fact of having a national goal created a lot for their country and the world.

 

[Rockslinger]

I think Neal Armstrong said that every mission was a near disaster.

I think an unnamed NASA official was once quoted as saying: "If we wait until everything is perfect, we would never launch." (If you wait for everything to be perfect, you would also never get marry and have kids.)

 

[Rockslinger]

It created a whole lot of scientists, engineers, and people with just a good understanding of the way the world works. Most of these people never got involved in the space program but instead went on to build and create all sorts of wonders for the rest of us.

Knowledge and making people more knowledgeble is never useless. Maybe the spinoff effect of all that knowledge and the people who mastered that knowledge will lead to the invention of artificial sperm .

Personally, I think all the money we spend on the arts, cat food and green lawns is useless. Can't stand ballet.

 

[Cinema Face]

But that political decision created a massive injection of funds into science from the early grades of school right on up to industry. It created a whole lot of scientists, engineers, and people with just a good understanding of the way the world works. Most of these people never got involved in the space program but instead went on to build and create all sorts of wonders for the rest of us. I would also believe that the internet grew out of the science of the space race and the institutions that supported it.

I agree that getting to the moon was not the most worthwhile action but the simple fact of having a national goal created a lot for their country and the world.

Absolutely. That's why it was the right thing to do.

However, it seems like it raised the bar of expectations unrealistically high and then NASA hasn't been able to do anything that amazing since. Perhaps they can and we just lack the political motivation. Maybe with China entering the space race may give the US the kick in the complacency they need.

I think the Mars explorers are pretty cool but it's not the same as sending humans which would be an order of magnitude more difficult than the moon.