I’ve often said that Apollo wasn’t about space, and that was one of the reasons that those who hope to resurrect the “space program” on an Apollo model are doomed to failure. The implication, of course, is that space activities that “aren’t about space” are a bad thing. My old friend (old in the sense that I’ve known him a long time, not that either he or I are old…) Jim Muncy has a different opinion:

Space exploration is not merely about the wonders of science and technology, although it produces countless discoveries and innovations. It is not merely about stunning images and daring adventures, although it has those aplenty. And to the disbelief of so many space professionals and aficionados alike, it is not even really about outer space.

Rather, space exploration is about strengthening and spreading the very essence of freedom: the magic of going and doing what you want, where you want, when you want and why you want. It is about the endless and innately human quest for a better, wiser and richer life, not just for yourself today but for generations hence. Freedom is as much about the creation and pursuit of new dreams, horizons and challenges as it is about achieving them.

RTWT

[via Mark Whittington]