Project Constellation is in my opinion the single most important human project presently in existence. It was announced earlier this year by President Bush. The objective is for mankind to return to and begin colonisation of the Moon after 30 years of absence and, from there, ultimately to travel to Mars. If you wish to read more about this historic mission, please examine:
[href]www.nasa.gov[/href]
For many reasons President Bush is controversial. I do not intend to commence any debate on this. However, I will say that I regard his speech earlier this year which began Project Constellation as both historic and breathtakingly courageous. Its obvious parallel is with President Kennedy's equally controversial "we shall go to the moon" speech in the 1960s, which launched the Apollo programme.
Now that preliminary CEV designs are being published (
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4000649.stm I felt this was an appropriate time in which to write to him (or, at least, his staff) and express my own personal support:
Quote: "
-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Young [mailto:d3fxyh@btinternet.com]
Sent: 11 November 2004 00:46
To: 'president@whitehouse.gov'
Subject: NASA: Project Constellation
Dear Mr. Bush
I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the bold new vision for human space exploration you unveiled earlier this year.
I am British and so you may not consider my views of much consequence. However, I firmly believe that we all have a common stake in advancing manned exploration of our solar system and of proceeding forthwith with the colonisation of the Moon and, ultimately, Mars.
After 30 years of limited and comparatively modest space development, I am delighted with your new initiative. It takes a leader of great courage and conviction to propose and support an epochal project such as this. I believe you are such a man. For my part, I was not dismayed to read the naysaying and carping by opponents after your original speech. Throughout history every great project has been opposed and we only stand where we are today because hope has triumphed over pessimism and belief has banished despair. Indeed, your nation would not exist if, centuries ago, farsighted individuals had not risked all in crossing the boundless oceans and, later, other individuals had not challenged tyranny and stood firm by their core beliefs. Even the significant cost must not daunt us. What price a dream? Humanity is not merely a species of accountants.
Obviously the pre-eminent position in modern society enjoyed by the United States means it is uniquely qualified to lead, to set out ambitious goals and to inspire humanity in this noble quest. Yet, speaking both as a British taxpayer and as a fortunate citizen of the world's fourth wealthiest country, it is my sincere hope that Her Majesty's Government will share your wisdom and will offer to aid the United States and to contribute materially and substantially to our odyssey to Mars.
My very best wishes on your historic second term in office.
Kind regards
Philip J. Young
A Solicitor Advocate of Her Majesty's Supreme Court of Judicature
Greenwich, London
10 November 2004
"
If you agree that the future of mankind is out in space, and wish to see manned human exploration and colonisation of the solar system in our lifetime, please could I urge you to post an appropriate message below.
If you do not agree, please do not post below. Start a new thread instead. I do not wish to start a debate in this thread. I only wish to see who agrees.
Cheers
Philip
What do you mean, bears aren't supposed to wear hats and a tie? P3.2ghz / 1 gig / GeForce FX 5900 128meg / WinXP home
