America Turns Its Back On Mankind

President Obama recently unveiled his new "vision" for NASA. While he increased funding for NASA, he shut down the Space Shuttle and Constellation programs. From what I gather, not too many people, including former astronauts, will not miss the space shuttle. Given the current economic climate, there wasn't any stomach or inspiration to keep it going. Obama's plans, essentially, will off shoot certain operations to private industry and focus on robotic technology. Human interaction with space comes to a screeching halt.

This move reminded me of a couple of things. First, so much for the humanist Renaissance outlook of man challenging himself. Those in favor of Obama's plans cite NASA no longer had a clear purpose and was a cash sinkhole. Perhaps, but isn't that the role of government to instill inspiration and a clear objective through effective policy? Second, it reminded me of a discussion held among historians about China's lack of presence during the Age of Exploration despite having the technology and know-how to reach all corners of the globe. Just as the West opened itself up, China began to look inwards and secretive. Hence, they missed the boat - excuse the pun - on exporting Chinese culture abroad.

I can't shake the feeling that on some level, this is exactly what the Americans are doing. Citing economics, they've decided to forego their role in human-manned space travel in a frontier we've barely begun to explore. This will leave the door open to countries who still see value in it. Chief among them being China.  Wouldn't that be ironic?

I've heard people cry, "we can't take care of our people here so why should we care about space?" I think this is a myopic view. Why does it have to be one or the other? You'll never be in a perfect situation to explore. Portugal was the poorest nation in Europe (still is among the poorest) when it undertook its maritime exploration adventure in the 15th century. Economics works both ways, you seek new trade routes to enhance a poor position or you avoid it because you think it's too expensive.

In a different vain because we weren't and aren't a maritime power, here in Canada, we used the same logic in the 1990s when the debate centered around funding the military. Everyone wanted to pour the money into health as if it were all a means to an end and that it was the only aspect of our being worth preserving.  When athletes asked for funding it was the same response, "give it to health." Naturally, both our sports amateur programs and the military whithered.

It's a shame to see America take this route. America was always about the future. Leading a great nation and people into frontiers unknown to mankind. They, at one point, were the torch bearers of the Renaissance, Englightenment and Age of Exploration. Now? Where are they? Obama's decision raises bigger questions about America's overall role in mankind.