Let's Light This Candle: Why Space is Still Awesome

Firstly, I love space. Passionately and with much gusto. Like ridiculous amounts of gusto. Like a gusto sandwich with extra gusto coming out the sides so it becomes really hard to eat. So it should come as no surprise that I think that space exploration is still important. I got in a conversation recently about space and whether or not we landed on the moon (we did. duh. you can see the flag from here as well as bounce lasers off of a reflective array they left), and whether or not we should be focusing on space and spending so much money on it during such an economic downturn. And I can honestly say I vote for more money for NASA.

I'm totally at a loss as to why space and space related activities ever leave the cool-o-scope of Americans. Space=cool. Its math. Put the word "space" in front of anything and it automatically becomes cooler i.e. "space tacos," "space aids," or "space jogging." And not only that but it is fulfillment of our natural predisposition toward exploration of the unknown. Its the next step after Lewis and Clark. Sure we haven't discovered everything on earth but that should not keep us earthbound. We MUST explore! Seek out the unkown... bodly go where no one has gone before and all that.

Space travel and the space program have been sources of new technologies and new ideas, like the cordless drill and smoke detectors. That alone should be enough for people to believe in the space program.

Going even further I think that NASA needs more money. We should at least double their budget. Put them up to 2%. What a better cause to rally our country around than space?! It worked during the cold war why not now lol?

Not only does NASA plan on going to the moon again to set up a base to eventually go to mars, but they recently found methane on mars! How freaking exciting is that?! See, space IS exciting, but you don't have to take my word for it... take neil's!

Anyway, rather rant like I know, but space is still important, because it is there. So go watch The Right Stuff and be inspired :)