In the Service of Humankind
by Raymond M Coulombe

Sometimes events overtake me. The shuttle breakup was one such event. As luck would have it, we were in Florida the day it was supposed to land there. Like a dog that did not bark in the night, there was no early hours sonic boom. Instead, the shuttle was busily unraveling itself over East Texas.

I recently visited that part of Texas. I know the area, some of the people, and even canoed some of its murky waters. That part of Texas is sparsely populated and heavily forested. I suspect hunters, fishermen, ranchers, and foresters will be stumbling over debris for many years to come. No doubt some parts may never be found.

It's not just about the loss of a marvelous machine. Seven brave people gave their lives. The QM staff salutes them and offers condolences to their loved ones.

Some would say it's wrong for people to risk their lives in such a dangerous undertaking. Those people don't know what's at stake. Those magnificent seven were not just pursuing some eggheaded science projects that have no relevance to our lives. They were in pursuit of knowledge the human race needs to survive. Some of the science practiced in space may have relevance to problems on earth. Even more important, humans are getting a tiny foothold off the planet of our birth.

Some think life on earth is a zero sum game. Once everything is used up, there is no more. Space is a way for humans to get out of the box. The universe is full of resources, but we must be able to live and thrive there before we can make use of that abundance. The cost can be high, in money, and sometimes in lives, but one must look at what's to be gained -the very survival of the human race.

Men and woman risk their lives all the time. Look at all the Firefighters, EMTs, Police and others who lost their lives in the twin towers disaster. They knew the risks, yet forged ahead. Fortunately for the bulk of humanity, there have always been a select few willing to put it all on the line. No one suggests that rescue personell shouldn't help others. Why do some of the same people think space exploration is too risky?

We need to reach beyond this big blue marble if we are to survive. Already, the world is squabbling over diminishing resources. There is only so much oil, water, and hell, there is only so much land, left on earth. If we don't get out of this gravity well, it will be a zero sum game. The richer and stronger countries will take from the weaker.

Scientific breakthroughs will benefit us in the near future. We already make use of space resources and will use more in the future. A bit further out, we will colonize space. When we do, humanity's eggs will no longer be all in the same basket. Looking at how we are treating the basket, we'd better hurry.

We still have a space program. The space station is still staffed. Russian rockets can keep things going at a reduced pace, but we need to replace the shuttle, and soon. It's too important for us not to. If we don't move forward, the death of the early explorers will have been in vain. I hope that day never comes. If it does, the cost in lives will be much much higher.

Once again, my condolences to the families and friends. I, for one, know what was at stake and the value of their contribution. I salute them.

Raymond M. Coulombe
Editor/Quantum Muse

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