Today is the 50th anniversary of when Sputnik, a Soviet Union space craft was launched into the great unknown - space. This was the first man made satelite (aka something that is in orbit) that was launched into space, even though it weighed under 200 pounds. This of course made the United States oh so jealous and the race began towards sending living animals into space, and the important part that took a while to figure out was having them living when they returned back to Earth as well.
Space travel continued and was made monumental when the first men landed on the moon. Since then, billions of dollars have gone towards exploring, understanding and reaching the furthest limits human knowledge. We seem to be fascinated with that which we can't have. Not only can't have, can't touch, visit, or even really fathom most of the time. I can't help but wonder if it's all really worth it? Is it worth a billion dollars to be able to say "Cool! Look what we found!"? As a scientist I feel like I'm betraying my fellow comrades but I'm very confident in the fact that this money could be going towards better uses: cancer research, world hunger, the fight against African sleeping sickness, gas money for me . . . just some of the things that come to mind. I know that the funds do create employment, but I think that the folks at NASA don't really need to worry to much about getting a job - they're so smart they like . . . rocket scientists . . .
Something that I can credit to the exporation of space is the notion of how delicate our planet really is. The first picture of our planet that is used in many environmental advertisements, which was taken from outer space, depicts our Earth as it had never been seen before. Looking so small and vulnerable, this picture planted the thought of cleaning up our precious home in the minds of people all over the world.
