In 1969, the Beatles played their final concert on the roof of a shopping mall; the Brady Bunch premiered on TV; the Vietnam War protest stepped up a notch; 32 of the best musicians of the era played at Woodstock...
And man walked on the moon.
Time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Moonwalk (years before Micheal Jackson). It's happened again a few times since but now that we know we can do that, the focus has been on the international space station, designed as not only an outer space research station but a potential stepping stone towards journeys further into our solar system. Already pychological and physical tests are underway to simulate a journey to Mars, and as our understanding of space and time improve, there is the potential to go wider and further.
Which brings up an interesting debate on the value of space research and exploration - many people would argue that charity begins at home, that the resources spent on space exploration would be better invested in dealing with issues like poverty, climate change and famine.
I personally am a huge supporter of space research and exploration but wonder what reactions to another moon mission would be today in the face of the GFC and climate change...
Bullet wound Budget
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‘Band-Aid on a bullet wound’: Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor loves his
budget catchcry.
2 days ago
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Given the title I was expecting you to announce you no longer need your moon boot.
ReplyDeleteIT's a good point; space doesn't come cheap. But this instantly begs the question what should we spend money on - art (why)? Apparently, you can never over-spend on health or education, but this political fiscal strategy would (and already does) have problems of its own; i.e. the health and education sectors become political footballs.
ReplyDeleteThe real shame about spending money on space research, is that the space industry is to the defence industry what Formula One racing is to the automotive industry. And it alwyas has been and presumably always will be.
But it genuinely captures the imagination, allows us to think we are doing something special. And we are. It's a welcome break from the norm isn't it? it's interesting isn't it? it's something we can all be proud of, is fast becoming a pre-requise of a high tech economy, and I think is a good thing. If we gave the money to the banks they would only blow it anyway. Might as well do it with a real bang!
I'm a big supporter of blue sky research and exploration in general... and I find it odd when people look at things like the International Space Station and just see a money-sucking black hole. Imagine looking at something that amazing and collaborative and ingenious and only seeing dollar signs and feeling a vague sense of panic and frustration that the dollar signs aren't somewhere else. Always feel a little sorry for those people.
ReplyDeleteOh, and in another update... I no longer need my moon boot! :o)