Forty years ago today, Apollo 11 made history as the first human beings landed on the moon.
And as the original astronauts from the mission–Buzz Aldrin, Neal Armstrong and Michael Collins–gather to celebrate the event, they have a new challenge for the next generation of space explorers–let’s go to Mars.
The astronuats lamented that NASA is planning a trip back to the moon and not to our neighbor, the red planet reports USA Today.
“The space race faded away. It was the ultimate peaceful competition,” said Neil Armstrong, 78, and it “did allow both sides to take the high road.”
On July 20, 1969, Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon, Buzz Aldrin the second. Michael Collins remained in orbit around the moon aboard the mother ship that would carry the three men back to Earth.
Collins, 78, said he had gotten to be part of the Apollo 11 crew through “10% shrewd planning, 90% blind luck.” At the same time, he said “sometimes I think I flew to the wrong place” — a reference to his belief that Mars is more interesting than the moon.
Aldrin, 79, also called himself “lucky” and pushed Americans to set their sights on Mars rather than the moon. “America, do you still dream great dreams? Do you still believe in yourself? Are you ready for a great national challenge?” he asked.
The crew will meet today with President Obama, who has a checkered history on support of human space exploration. During the presidential campaign, he endorsed President George W. Bush’s plan to send astronauts back to the moon, but last month the White House ordered a panel of independent space experts to reconsider that goal.
The three astronauts chose vastly different paths after the events that made them mega-celebrities. Armstrong taught engineering at the University of Cincinnati, then worked as an aerospace executive. He rarely speaks in public.
Collins wrote a memoir, headed the National Air and Space Museum and generally avoids the limelight.
Aldrin battled depression and alcoholism, a struggle chronicled in a book published this summer. He speaks widely, conducts frequent interviews and even appears in a new rap video
The moon landing is a great example of why it is important to never be satisfied with a scientific achievement. Since the early part of the 1970s we have not returned to the moon in person, nor have we sent people to other bodies in space beyond the space station. It is time to start thinking about returning to the business of space exploration. Kids, use your science fair projects to kick start the industry’s interest in space exploration.
http://www.flypmedia.com/issues/33/#1/1
Excellent story on future space exploration, great infographics–check it out
I was just wondering today where those three were. That’s interesting that they all seem to try to stay out of the limelight for the most part. Wonder what the psychology behind that is. Probably has something with having actually been to the moon. I imagine normal life is pretty bland by comparison. But I totally agree with Projects, above.
Readers may appreciate this video I found, as well, which compare the claims that we should establish a base on the moon against those that we should try to put a man on Mars: http://www.newsy.com/videos/moonstruck_40_years_later
I have to agree with Aldrin. We did the moon. Time to go to Mars. BTW, a great book about colonizing Mars is Robert Zubrin’s How to Live on Mars.
http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Mars-Guidebook-Surviving/dp/0307407187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248148141&sr=1-1
It’s both funny and very informative.
The technology to go to the moon or Mars, does not actually exist at this time. Who currently makes a Saturn V? Can it be built? Yes, but it will be a trial and error process. I think the lessons that can be learned in recreating and developing new ships, suits, and support procedures for the moon that will benefit us when we go to Mars.
Discovery has a great series that discusses many of the issues that have to be addressed with a Mars Landing. http://science.discovery.com/convergence/mars-rising/mars-rising.html