January 23, 2004
Space Bush
OK, I'm late to commenting on President Bush's space initiative. You should have read lots of good commentary already; if you haven't, then head on over to Mr. Simberg's blog, Transterrestial Musings, for enlightening space commentary. I think the primary goal of our national space program should be the permanent presence of mankind in space. Science in space is fun, interesting, nice, doable, worthwhile, etc. but should not be the primary goal of a national space progam (at least until we do have a permanent presence). So I have to like Mr. Bush's call for a manned Moon base followed by a manned trip to Mars because that really advances what I think should be the primary goal. And putting in terms of going somewhere, rather than just being somewhere, makes it sound so much better.
Posted by Kevin Murphy at January 23, 2004 01:01 PM | TechnologyI agree, the most important thing about space is that we are there. Science will naturally flow from our effort to get there and stay there. The government's role should be to ensure the necessary infrastructure is developed, similar to the transcontinental railroad and the interstate highway system.
Posted by: Dan Spencer at January 24, 2004 04:39 AM
