Because it is Rocket Science

[J. M. Stovall]

I wish our space program was this sexy!

all art by Chesley Bonestell

 

[Matt Deckard]

Make mine Mars.

It would be great to see Taco Bell on the moon, though it would take a few decades before we get that far. I guess moonbase Alpha would be the best bet. If we could get a self sustaining colony on the moon. A place where we could launch further missions it would be grand. No more waisting money on oeceanography... The Whales hate us anyway.

 

[Haversack]

I think both manned and unmanned exploration needs to be conducted. Just as it has been. Both orbital space and the Moon were explored by probes and robots before humans were sent. You've got to get the data before you risk human lives. You never know what discoveries will surprise you. Ultimately though, human have to be sent and there will be risks. Exploration is not without its hazards. In fact, it is one of the reasons that astronauts are heros. I grew up watching the Mercury, Gemeni, and Apollo missions on the TV. Built all the models too. Having Surveyor 3 land on the Moon and dig up some lunar soil with its shovel was fascinating and provided critical data for later landings, however it didn't inspire the awe and trepidation that Apollo 8 did when it went behind the Moon for the first time on Christmas Eve and all contact was lost. And the relief and cheers over the radio when 20 minutes later it reappeared on the other side and contact was restored. The thing about manned missions is that they inspire people far more than probes. More is riding on them. That inspiration is critical. It gets people to go that extra 100,000 miles. It fuels optimism and resolve. Its the Grand Adventure. The people doing it today are not wearing fedoras and cavalry twill but they are cut from the same cloth. "What IS over that next ridge?"

Haversack.
Also, don't rule out oceanography. We've learned an awful lot about living in contained environments from that field of study. Very useful stuff to know if any long term space flights are planned.