As I continue to scan news coverage of the recent commercial spacecraft explosions – Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo prototype and Orbital Sciences’ Antares rocket mission to the International Space Station – I am trying to process our current societal incarnation without acquiescing to a profound dismay. Too many of our media sources are displaying an accusatory tone or a condescending “I told you so.” Is this pandering attack-dog mentality now the measure of what sells newspapers and digital content to a plethora of armchair experts? Alternatively, is the situation even worse? Have our pundits forgotten the days when boats were made of wood and men were made of iron; when the intrepid Amelia Earhart launched a flight that would elevate all people, as did our steadfast aim for the Moon during the Apollo years? Have such whispers shadowed the visionaries of “every” human era, or is the intensity of the “hue and cry” different this time? Disappointing as the pettiness and naysayers may be, I doubt these rumblings eclipse the inner voices of the courageous men and women who challenge history, for this rare breed grapples with far mightier opponents – foes such as death, impossible dreams, and human destiny.
Folks, you’re going to scratch the paint when you move mountains. I’m not suggesting that death isn’t a tragedy. It is under any circumstances. Yet, when we shatter the ordinary, when we dare to greatness, it is then that our collective spirit finds solace in acknowledging the tradeoffs inherent to that particular dice roll. Some goals are worth dying for, hopefully not needlessly, but no plan is without error. Imperfection is the very essence of “humanity.” Combine that practical reality with pilots and astronauts who are essentially riding mega-bombs, and yes, this activity qualifies as ultra-dangerous on any given day. Applying our typical media filters and overly litigious legal standards to this extreme endeavor is inappropriate. In part, that’s why government has heretofore been at the helm of Space ventures. I think nobody questions the presumption that the private sector can produce more efficient results, but ultimately, the incredible costs, technological advances, oversight authority, mission parameters, and the “astro-ethics” discussion should fall under the umbrella of government. As plagued with missteps and waste as that public path may be, I am convinced that no single company, individual or oligarchy should control these outcomes.
Would I attempt Space, however, if I were a billionaire several times over? Absolutely, and I say to Sir Richard Branson – BRAVO! Don’t be discouraged by the exodus of SpaceShipTwo tourists. Their romantic, fantasy-fueled adrenaline rush is cratering to one hell of a reality hangover: Space travel is a serious matter, vital and necessary, but still potentially lethal. Save the apologies. None are needed. Humanity’s future depends upon colonizing the stars, and I would see that future become the present. To have a direct impact on that achievement would be profoundly satisfying. Some of us in this existence find peace within, while others taste magic in a simple joy, and yet others are constantly questing beyond the horizon. I am one such person “cursed” with a curious and restless soul. I have a friend who views this nomadic trait as a singular flaw in human nature. I disagree, and leave it to a higher power to decide. Until then, my gaze tilts to the night sky and I wonder at that which awaits – our evolution and reorganization into a civilization that would shine light into the darkest corners of the Universe. A fundamental shift in our cognition and values will only be possible once we escape our terrestrial origin. I recognize that we’ll export our brand of human weakness to the stars – fear, hatred, doubt, jealousy, fanaticism – but over time, these frailties will wither into memory as our consciousness expands. The Age of Discovery never ended, and like an old friend coming up the walkway, one need only open the door to renew ties.
