U.S. Astronauts will no longer leave this planet and return to in from U.S. soil.   We will have to coordinate our needs with Russia and other foreign countries.   In many cases it is the needs created [...]]]> The last Shuttle we be launched on Feb 26th, 2001.  At this point the program is to be shelved.

U.S. Astronauts will no longer leave this planet and return to in from U.S. soil.   We will have to coordinate our needs with Russia and other foreign countries.   In many cases it is the needs created by pushing the envelop of development that lead to new solutions.   It is not a stretch to say that without direct and local control, our needs and engagement in solution finding will be diminished.  NASA states:  As a result of shuttle research, the program alone has generated more than 100 technology spin-offs.

From NASA’s spin-off website.
• Miniaturized heart pumps save lives.
• Thermal protection system materials protect racecar drivers.
• Bioreactors help chemists design new therapeutic drugs and antibodies.
• Compact laboratory instruments allow faster blood analysis.
• Sensitive hand-held infrared cameras scan for forest fires.
• Rocket fuel helps destroy land mines.
• Light-emitting diodes treat cancerous tumors.
• Prosthetic limbs are lighter and stronger.
• An extrication tool removes accident victims from wrecked vehicles.
• Municipalities track and reassign emergency and public works vehicles.
• Law enforcement agencies can improve the resolution of crime scene video.

Yes these all cost money and space exploration is expensive.   How much time and money woudl have gone to these developments without the needs in space travel?   I would proffer that without an immediate need many of these items would never be invented in the first place.   In most cases it is not the original need that meets an earthbound need.  It is the vision of another scientist, with another problem, that is inspired by the first and makes the connection.   Without the initial inspiration, that chain is broken and the advancement is unlikely to occur.   As we separate ourselves from the direct needs to advance our program, we remove our ties to these inventions and rely on others to bring the inventions forward and provide us inspiration and information.    I see this as a huge loss and a huge risk.

Beyond this impact is the emotional impact.  The simple fact that it is not the U.S. and not our country that inspires the world.    The direct costs may be deferred by the loss of national pride and energy is difficult to measure.    As we say goodbye to our shuttle program, I would like to take you back to the words of Rush’s Countdown; [with attribution, "Dedicated with thanks to astronauts Young and Crippen and all the people of NASA for their inspiration and cooperation"].

Lit up with anticipation
We arrive at the launching site
The sky is still dark, nearing dawn
On the Florida coastline

Circling choppers slash the night
With roving searchlight beams
This magic day when super-science
Mingles with the bright stuff of dreams

Floodlit in the hazy distance
The star of this unearthly show
Venting vapors, like the breath
Of a sleeping white dragon

Crackling speakers, voices tense
Resume the final count
All systems check, T minus nine
As the sun and the drama start to mount

The air is charged
A humid, motionless mass
The crowds and the cameras
The cars full of spectators pass
Excitement so thick you could cut it with a knife
Technology…high, on the leading edge of life

The earth beneath us starts to tremble
With the spreading of a low black cloud
A thunderous roar shakes the air
Like the whole world exploding

Scorching blast of golden fire
As it slowly leaves the ground
Tears away with a mighty force
The air is shattered by the awesome sound

Like a pillar of cloud
The smoke lingers high in the air
In fascination
With the eyes of the world
We stare…

Take a listen to the power of these lyrics, Rush’s music, and the NASA audio again.  Return to the previous track.

“Sadder still to watch it die than never to have have known it. ” – Neal Peart, Losing It.

I am sure the Democrats will take credit for Segregation, the formation of NASA and the EPA’s Clean Water agenda (for use int eh SuperSoaker) that is the [...]]]> Yes, is true but it is not the SuperSoaker but his years at NASA Jet Propulsion lab that are the basis for his concepts on clean energy.

I am sure the Democrats will take credit for Segregation, the formation of NASA and the EPA’s Clean Water agenda (for use int eh SuperSoaker) that is the basis for this success. I believe that the man is just brilliant and was able to use profit (eww evil) from one business to pursue his dreams and employ others in that quest.