|
Much as I think space is ultra cool, I don't see that we have any use for it. Frankly, the use conceived of back in the day was military in nature, and that's really all it's good for - so I can't see why we need to "go" to Mars, much less return to the Moon.
The great advancements in science are from designing the machinery and mission to get to other worlds. But we don't need to get there. Less flashy though it may be, we'd be better off directing our technological prowess and treasure at saving our planet rather than looking to explore other ones.
For one thing, we need better and cleaner means of energy - and there hasn't been a technological breakthrough in that area for decades - nor is one expected in the foreseeable future. That's the "barrier" we should seek to be breaking, not some fantasy fun fest of outer space romanticism.
I hate to be saying it. I thought the space program was ultra cool 40 years ago. I've grown up a lot since then. Our science needs have, too.
|