Our
Future
in Space
Part 1: A Long-term Perspective
Four decades ago, the "space age" meant dreams coming
true.
But since America won the Moon race, its vision has been lost in
endless debates and revisions reflecting ever-changing political
climates and leaders, plus a total focus on short-term
scientific
and economical gains & justifications. While China,
for example,
sees their investment in space in a much longer perspective.
But just as with our efforts to protect Earth's environment and
climate - projects like asteroid defense, space solar power and
Mars settlements can't be changed every 4th year. Earth Care
and Cosmic Growth are both about making long-term decisions,
and then staying on course. They are not about today's voters.
They are about future generations
and the survival of all Life.
Citing prominent Moonwalker and Apollo astronaut John Young:
Single-planet species don't last.
To
get around future budget constraints, we will need a new
approach to the space program. This I will address in Part
2.
