Patch Blog: Farewell to the Space Shuttle Program

The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis was the 135^th and final launch of the Space Shuttle Program, spanning 30 years.  The end of the Space Shuttle program means that at least for several years, the United States will have to rely on Russian Soyuz spacecraft to transport astronauts to the International Space Station.

Much has been debated over the years whether the Space Shuttle program, dating back to 1981, along with America’s overall manned spacecraft program, dating back to 1961, has been worth the hundreds of billions of dollars spent. It’s difficult to determine whether the technological advances and scientific discoveries attributed to America’s space program was worth the money that could have been used to address issues on Earth.

One area that’s difficult to quantify is the effect the manned space program had on the imagination and aspirations of our youth. Growing up, I, along with many of my friends, had dreams of one day traveling into space.  Each launch of the Apollo program was riveting. The astronauts were considered living heroes, true role models.  The technology was straight out of science fiction.  Compared to the carnage and futility of the Vietnam War, the space program provided hope for a better future.

Because of the space program, many of my generation were inspired to seriously study math and science, even in grade school. While I did not end up in a career in the sciences, many of my friends eventually did, tracing their initial interest in science to the space program.

My own three children have drawn inspiration from the Space Shuttle program. My family was fortunate enough to witness the live launch of the space shuttle Discovery several years ago. Like the Apollo program did for me, the Space Shuttle program inspired my children to see the value of math and science and to study it in school.  My children have talked about whether they might one day travel into space.  While the shuttle astronauts are not household names, almost all have turned out to be among the best America has to offer, worthy enough to be role models.  As a whole, America’s astronauts have a far better track record than politicians and professional athletes.

While the Space Shuttle program never commanded the same level of national attention as the Apollo program, it still served to inspire the dreams and imagination of a generation.  With the Space Shuttle program ending and no replacement in the near future, what will serve as the next generation’s inspiration?