The final shuttle mission lifted off today. I know that beyond the direct support to science that the shuttle program had, the shuttle was an inspiration for many kids. It's hard to imagine a world without the shuttle. I remember the teacher wheeling the TV into the classroom to watch the launches as a kid. I remember being in the library and running back to my 4th grade class to tell them that the Challenger disaster happened. I remember getting ready one morning and hearing the news that the Columbia had broken up on reentry. These landmarks, whether sad or inspiring, won't exist for my kids.
I'm starting this blog to record my investigation into how the government can create policy to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship. The sense of discovery and innovation has always been the backbone of economic and societal growth in the US. Rather than walk away from the foundation of wonder and exploration in kids, I want to know what the government can do to inspire people to continue to create and use technology as a way to benefit society overall.
As a former member of the "Young Astronauts" club, I share your sense of emotional loss. Yet the only thing I remember from the Young Astronauts club was learning about inertia -- demonstrated by pulling the tablecloth out from under a stack of books. (unfortunately my third grade arms could not apply enough force to overcome friction, etc. As a result, I am now a lawyer.)
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