We are in the middle of an extreme economic recession. Yes, it is very important to open up new possibilities and expand our horizons. But is it more important than making sure we still have money in the budget to help the poor or ensure that people here on Earth have jobs? I don’t think so.

Aside from the reasons to want to pursue the space program and more importantly, Mars (i.e. research of raw materials, potential microscopic lifeforms, etc.) keeping the space program alive helps keep America on top of it’s game. When we fund a program that aims to travel vast distances, it requires us to invent new technology to do so. Consequently, there is always the potential that we may find new applications for this technology in everyday uses here on Earth that make us more effecient and more economically advanced!

Also, when you create dreams for the young minds of tomorrow, you in turn can help encourage them to strive to acheive them. To study hard, to learn more, etc. – this is what would be required to be an astronaut that goes to Mars.

So there are some beneficial side effects that this program can have on the USA that don’t strictly apply to what can be learned from, say Mars, or derived from the thrill of setting foot on an untapped planet!

Here in my neck of the woods we’ve been hosting a 7 day Orion module review. It’s inspiring to watch groups of engineers working on solutions to complicated problems that come with building a new Command Module to return us to the moon or Mars.

I think society as a whole has grown complacent – wanting everything to be easy. They expect problems to be resolved in 60 min or fewer (with commercials). They wait for “someone else” to take care of them or the problem. We need to do the hard things. We need to take the long path. We are better as a country, as a people, for the struggle.