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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Project Apollo-- a unique convergence of factors, never to be repeated again?

Jeff Foust (the Space Review) posted his review of the new book entitled, "John F. Kennedy and the Race to the Moon" by John Logsdon.

Jeff notes that "Logsdon... now believes that Apollo was perhaps something unique, a case where a set of factors 'almost coincidentally converged to create a national commitment and enough momentum to support that commitment through to its fulfillment.' If that's true, then 'there is little to learn from the decision to go to the Moon relevant to twenty-first century choices.' Apollo then, should be treated not as a model for future space efforts, but instead as an amazing achievement particular to the circumstances of its era, including the leadership provided by President Kennedy."

Phew! If I read this right, we were lucky to have witnessed this amazing event no only because of its audacity... but also because it may very well be a singular event in our lifetime. What a depressing thought for the future of interplanetary exploration.

What say you? Are we doomed to mediocrity and no more "giant leaps for mankind?"

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