If Earth becomes an ”uninhabitable cinder,” it will not be as a result of either the U.S. or Soviet space program. Reader Bradshaw doesn`t seem to realize that it is space exploration, both manned and unmanned, that is teaching us what a unique, irreplaceable world Earth is.
Satellite photography, a variety of high-tech instrumentation and human observers on the shuttle are pointing out the problems that we need to address as citizens of this ”paradise.”
All of our efforts in space have paid off-on Earth-many times over, in medicine, manufacturing, new technology, etc. The Mars voyage, if it happens, will, too. It will also pay off by stimulating the spirit of discovery, something definitely in need of renewal.
If the Earth does become a cinder, it won`t be the fault of those who first revealed to us our ”big blue marble.” It will be the fault of those who lack a vision for the future, such as the producers and users of chlorofluorocarbons, which deplete the ozone layer. And, by the way, the star Alpha Centauri is only 25 trillion miles away, not 50, and therefore fair game for a visit from ”paradise.”
