It was interesting to note… no, actually it was heartwarming and even re-affirming to note that late last month, four astronauts from different countries joined hands and joined forces as they reached orbit and inevitably docked with the International Space Station on August 27.
There’s no joke about “four astronauts walked into a bar…” here, but it is smile-worthy and intriguing to read various quotes as this mission was launched at Cape Canaveral in Florida, featuring astronauts from Russia, Denmark, Japan, and the U.S. “We’re a united team with a common mission,” said U.S. astronaut, marine pilot Jasmin Moghbeli.
And this gem: “’To explore space, we need to do it together,’ the European Space Agency’s director general, Josef Aschbacher, said before liftoff. ‘Space is really global, and international cooperation is key.’” Imagine that, cooperation is vital and space is for everyone! The cynic in me thinks “Let’s see how long this lasts,” but I am hopeful.
Lots of folks are looking skyward at moon missions- the U.S.A., Russia, India, Israel, China, Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Luxembourg- plus many private entities. So while we’ve failed so badly in so many ways for so long on Earth to get along and work together, maybe the stars will align as nations forge partnerships to work together on the moon.
One stated goal (from Luxembourg, no less) “…is to promote peaceful exploration and sustainable use of space resources.” Now wouldn’t that be cool, unique, and even restorative?
With the horror of Maui’s fires still fresh in our hearts and minds, with mind-numbing mass shootings sadly the norm, with the 2024 national election season already shaping up to be a bad sitcom… maybe we can gaze skyward for relief and ponder “what if?” Heck, maybe Hawai`i can get in on this retro rocket launching mania (it’s been proposed before…) gripping so many disparate countries and entrepreneurial, private entities.
The Apollo program launched many products and scientific firsts which evolved into real applications seen now in everyday lives. Perhaps this lucrative lunar lusting will provide more valuable ideas and items for usage on this mortal coil, plus spur more young people to head into science, medicine, engineering, and unknown vocational fields.
Right now, if only for escapism, if only to dream a bit, if only because we could all use a break, perhaps we can stare skyward… and espy a moonbeam.
Think about it…