Mar 11 2008

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Space Shuttle Endeavour

The Space Shuttle Endeavour lights up the early morning sky at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, lifting off at 2:28 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 11.

Endeavour’s mission, STS-123, will carry two new components to the International Space Station: the first section of the Japanese Kibo lab and Canada’s two-armed robotic system, known as Dextre.

Endeavour will also deliver a new station crew member, Garretr Reisman, and bring back European Space Agency astronaut Leopold Eyharts, who has been on the station since Feb. 9.

Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Sometimes, things just work. The Space Shuttle doesn’t always work. But when it does, a shuttle launch is something to behold. Soon the shuttle will be retired and the United States will be without a launch vehicle for the human space program.

Some will argue that space is best explored by robots and the shuttle is little more than a taxi or truck service. Others will argue the money is better spent elsewhere. While it lacks the glory of the manned journeys to the Moon, being in space and being able to reach space is something, I think, America can still be proud of.

I believe the peaceful exploration of space would be the perfect mission to distract the Military-Industrial Complex with – solve the problems of living on the Moon and Mars. Let us send people to the asteroid belt and beyond. Have spacesuit, will travel.

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  1. innumerable advancements in technology it has brought about.  And I’m not just talkin’ about Tang.

    Prediction:  The U.S. space program will be revitalized when a new “space race” developes with China.  I have to think their stated goal of manned missions to the moon is more than just a pipe dream.  

    • Edger on March 11, 2008 at 16:03
    • #

    That logic(?) would have had North America and the American West explored by unmanned robotic ships and radio controlled chuckwagons.

    So put me on a highway

    And show me a sign

    And take it to the limit one more time

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