So, if you missed it, today, at 8:56 AM EST, the Space Shuttle Endeavor saw a flawless launch that would also be its last. Aside from the fact that, after STS-133, the Space Shuttle was to be retired and even after that, STS-134 was to be the final scheduled mission for NASA (but the passing of a bill allowing the conversion of STS-335 to STS-135 changed that), but now, this morning’s launch was the last Endeavor will ever see, and that makes me sad. I’m sure come the final launch of Atlantis I’ll be even more upset (Assuming it’s not needed for a Launch-On-Need rescue mission for STS-134). Why? Because after we get back from the mission, We will not be going to space anytime soon…unless the private sector steps it up.
I love space and have always had dreams of it (very surreal and weird dreams, most of the time) but with all the news of late about program delays, cancellations, and supposed replacements, I worry for the future of space travel, and I guess the future in general. I have no idea what will come in the future, but a future where we no longer have missions exploring the moon, mars, and beyond, is a sad future.
Also, let’s face it, Star Trek is cool and all, but what we all really want to see is a Firefly-esque ship zipping around the stars.
Stay lazy, space enthusiasts.
