Because so much of modern medical science trickles into civilian use through the work done by NASA and the military, I thought it was fitting to spend today’s post saying goodbye to the Space Shuttle program. Today marked the final launch of the space shuttle Atlantis. It will be the last launch of the entire shuttle fleet.
I remember being in the fifth grade in 1980 when construction began on the first shuttle at the beginning of the program. It was such an amazing innovation; a reusable launch and reentry vehicle where all prior space vehicles were non-reusable rockets and splash down capsules. So much excellent scientific advancement has been yielded by this program. So many advancements in medical understanding too. It is sad to see the fleet retired. One wonders what the next step into space will be for the USA? Because so much of modern medical science trickles into civilian use through the work done by NASA and the military, I thought it was fitting to spend today’s post saying goodbye to the Space Shuttle program. Today marked the final launch of the space shuttle Atlantis. It will be the last launch of the entire shuttle fleet.
I remember being in the fifth grade in 1980 when construction began on the first shuttle at the beginning of the program. It was such an amazing innovation; a reusable launch and reentry vehicle where all prior space vehicles were non-reusable rockets and splash down capsules. So much excellent scientific advancement has been yielded by this program. So many advancements in medical understanding too. It is sad to see the fleet retired. One wonders what the next step into space will be for the USA? 4 Responses to “Last Ever Space Shuttle Launch Today”
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As we decide if this chapter was worth it let’s remember John F. Kennedy’s words from 1962, “The growth of our science and education by new knowledge of our universe and environment by new techniques of learning, mapping and observation.” I think we have witnessed the promise of JFK’s vision for the advancement of science and the betterment of mankind through the space program. I was privileged to see the beginning and a little sad to see the ending of this chapter. -Beverly
John F. Kennedy’s “We Choose to go to the Moon” Speech 1962 (in total)
http://www.quotesandsayings.com/sjfk.htm
What was the reasoning behind dismantling the shuttle program, I would wonder?
This is a clip from CNN wire services showing President Obama’s speech outlining his full commitment of “Deep Space” exploration- utilizing the space station more efficiently and for its intended purpose, also his vision of privatizing shuttle services…
So it’s not a dismantling exactly it’s more of a restructuring…
“Obama outlines new NASA strategy for deep space exploration”
By the CNN Wire Staff
April 15, 2010 4:19 p.m. EDT
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/15/obama.space/index.html