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January 25, 2004
Space Program Necessary
NSS Member John Strickland had the following letter to the editor published in the Austin American-Statesman, 1/25/04. Printed with permission. Space Program Necessary A Jan 16 editorial correctly separated discussion of the President's new space policy from opinions about the President himself ("Bush's space plan deserves a fair study)". The Scott Stantis cartoon on the same day noted that a previous (Democratic) President, in a similar time of stress and peril, committed us to a lunar voyage. The space program has a serious purpose; we can not remain a one-planet species and survive. Space Solar Power collectors built from Moon materials at a Lunar Base could help us end Global Warming. In addition, the Near Earth Asteroids pose natural threats, which if ignored, will eventually cause catastrophes on Earth. Today, few can remember a single leader of 1492 besides Columbus and Queen Isabella. 500 years from now, few will remember any of today's political struggles, but if we extend our permanent presence to the Moon and Mars in this century, they will remember that. John Strickland -- jkstrick@io.comPosted by apsmith at January 25, 2004 04:06 PM
