In 1957, space flight came upon the world as a shocking surprise, even though it had been long described in science fiction and long predicted in serious councils among the aware minority of citizens. This was an example of a sound, but not generally understood, prediction of the future. Space activities today present opportunities for similar predictions.
Humans are likely to achieve permanent residence on the Moon; the only unknowns are for what reasons and consequently when. Humans are likely to achieve a scientific understanding of the origins of life on Earth; the only unknowns are how and when. Humans are likely to discover life elsewhere in the Universe; the only unknowns are (a) is life uniform as on Earth, or (b) is it diverse, (c) is it ubiquitous and common or rare, (d) do contemporary civilizations exist within observable range, and consequently when will the results of (a) through (d) be known.
Without knowing the answers to any of these questions, we are still able to say some things about their probable effects upon humanity. If contemporary civilizations are extremely distant and rare, we may not find one during a time comparable with recorded human history, say ten thousand years. However, just in the act of searching, we shall gradually install in the conscience of society a new way of thinking about humanity and its place in the cosmos – essentially a continuation of the Copernican revolution that has already had such a profound effect.
Meanwhile, space activities will deliver the practical benefits described in the other essays. As more people begin to realize how we are a part of Earth’s single biosphere and act toward a sustainable future in it, and as more people come to have enough to eat, clean water, education and time to think beyond mere survival, the deeper benefits of space activity will gradually filter into human awareness and become part of the structure of Earth’s civilization.
Eventually, with humanity a two-planet species immune to destruction by terrestrial or celestial catastrophes and having passed beyond the juvenile stage we are in now, our civilization may become robust enough to survive, not just for millennia but essentially for ever. That may be the essential condition for joining a galactic society. If it is, our early strivings into space will have been worthwhile.
Mr.
James
T.
Burke
Retired: California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The Planetary Society, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, ISU
Professional Category:
Engineering
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