House Science and Technology Committee chairman Bart Gordon issued a statement yesterday to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik this week. His statement focused as much on the need to bolster math and science education in the US, though, as it was on space exploration itself:
In 1957, space was seen as one more arena for Cold War competition between nations. However, over the last five decades, the exploration of space has evolved into an international endeavor marked by significant accomplishments that have benefited all of humanity.
We have received an impressive return on our past investments in America’s space program, and I think we need to continue to pursue a bold and productive future in space. In addition, we need to take heed of one of the legacies of the ‘wake-up call’ delivered by Sputnik and reaffirm America’s commitment to making the investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education that are needed to ensure that our children will be able to compete in the new global economic marketplace. Enactment of the America COMPETES Act was an important first step, but more needs to be done.
I was at the Space 50 conference at Caltech the other week. The conference itself was a sign that Caltech is reasserting itself in the field of space, especially in engineering.
Suffice it to say, education issues were discussed, and I do hope that congress is able to create the necessary conditions for such initiatives to make a difference.
“Suffice it to say, education issues were discussed, and I do hope that congress is able to create the necessary conditions for such initiatives to make a difference”
hear hear! maybe block grants for aeronautics and engineering programs in particular on a state/federal ratio, with matching funds for private donors and discounted entry access to COTS competitions.
innovatic ideas for achieving affordable space transportation should be the primary objective for the next 50 years of exploration and discovery.
but we could really use a John Kennedy right now, there’s no denying.
We don’t need a JFK right now; he actually didn’t care about the space program. However, he did care (a lot) about beating the Soviets, and space was the way to do it. This isn’t a knock against him; myself and thousands of others are where we are because of his actions. We just need someone that can instill the general public with that sort of passion and drive toward a common, long-term goal. Actually, to start, I’ll settle for anyone that can convince the general public that the space program does matter. I’d put them up near the JFK-osphere.
“maybe block grants for aeronautics and engineering programs in particular”…
Well, yes, the research funding climate is a deterent to students, but I don’t think more money is the main part of the solution. Lockheed, Boeing and others have real trouble holding onto graduates for more than a couple of years, and while a positive research experience will undoubtedly attract more bright graduates into an aerospace career, the main part of the solution is to address why they don’t want to stay.
And here’s another mystery: I just discovered that one of my fellow students who graduated just after me now makes his living selling sex toys online. He was a very smart guy. As one of the only US citizens in the department he was (I presume) eligible for much money that is not available to foreigners. With a PhD in Aeronautics he now represents gold dust in the aerospace community because he can get a security clearance. Yet, having achieved such a high level of understanding over the course of a decade or so he chooses not to go into aerospace. Why?
Sputnik started the race to space in which United Sates won. However, let’s not forget that sputnik was the first artificial satellite to be put in space.
Watch Sputnik’s historical launch video
http://www.snupped.com/sputnik