Despite Risks, U.S. Can’t Give Up on Shuttle, Space

The safe landing of the space shuttle Discovery allowed people to breathe again. But there is little time for celebration. Scientists and engineers still have bugs to work out. President Bush said the mission was “an important step for NASA as it regains the confidence of the American people ….”

And it was an important step — but it was only one step in a journey whose length is unknown.

But one thing is certain: We must continue to explore space.

We must do so because of the scientific achievements and discoveries space flight yields. But we also must reach for the stars because it feeds our souls and inspires future generations.

The Discovery mission showed us that NASA can send the shuttle safely into orbit and back. It showed us that ability to adapt and improvise lives on — as demonstrated by the emergency repair tool concocted out of a cutting blade and duct tape. It showed us that new monitoring systems for identifying possible problems work.

But the flight also showed us that the problem with insulating foam detaching from the external fuel tank — the problem that doomed the shuttle Columbia in early 2003 — has not been solved.

Yes, the shuttle is “old” by technological standards and it is a shame another generation of orbital vehicles was not developed sooner. But dwelling on what should have been done will do little to answer the more important question of what should be done now.

The fact is there is no replacement for the shuttle and won’t be for some time. The fact is the shuttle is essential for completing the International Space Station.

We need to fix the problems we can, but also recognize that space travel is inherently risky.

Society has become increasingly risk averse. We expect guardrails and safety devices everywhere we go. We want everything to follow a perfect plan, whether it is a vacation, a space mission or a war. When something goes wrong, we are always looking for someone to blame — usually in a court of law.

Where would we be if Christopher Columbus hadn’t taken a risk? If Lewis and Clark hadn’t taken a risk? Indeed, if the Discovery crew, led by Commander Eileen Collins, hadn’t taken a risk?

There is a greater risk in turning our back on space exploration in general — and the shuttle in particular — than in moving forward.