Space has Touched our Lives in Many Ways

Last month the Space Foundation conducted a survey that asked a broad range of questions, including what space inventions have the most impact on our lives and how we learn about and get inspiration from space. In the same survey, we asked participants to share how space has personally affected them. Here are a few comments:

• "I was in high school when Neil Armstrong first orbited the Earth. He became my hero and, to this day, I have an autographed picture of him... I am a fifth grade elementary school teacher. I talk about Neil Armstrong and how I was awed by his accomplishment to my students. I sneak information about space wherever I can into my curriculum because I think it is important that students become aware and inspired about space at a young age. I guess it rubbed off on my son, who is finishing his Ph.D. in astrophysics."
• "Astronomy has always been my love, and space exploration is what makes me even more fascinated and curious... about spatial realms; and, of course, space exploration, apart from gathering knowledge, also makes us aware of our identity in the cosmos."
• "I am a longtime space enthusiast. My love of spaceflight inspired me to seek work as an engineer in my younger years. Now, I write about spaceflight."
• "I spent 36+ years at Kennedy Space Center supporting launch services, research and new technology development activities."
• "Space exploration has increased my awareness of our world, solar system and universe and caused me to be more inquisitive."
• "It's just a topic that I've always found interesting - the conditions on other planets, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, etc".
• "The Apollo program inspired me to become the first woman in my family to graduate from college (physics cum laude) and become one of the first women flight controllers."
• "It has created many jobs and inspired and changed the lives of many people. 'Reach for the stars' is no longer a cliche, but a realistic goal for many. My parents both worked in the space industry, which molded my world... I have nurtured space interests in my 10-year-old son. We are proud to be part of our space-inspired community."
• "Medical imaging helped detect my breast cancer early and allowed for adequate treatment. I am now nine years cancer free and feel GREAT!"
• "It makes me proud to be an American... knowing that our country was at the forefront of space exploration early on. Also, knowing more about the universe is important to me... I believe we all have an obligation to understand how our planet fits into the great scheme of things."
• "I am proud to be American."

Read next month's issue of Space Watch for more inspiring quotes.

Space has inspired a select few to become astronauts. Pictured: NASA Astronaut Col. Michael Good, USAF, Ret., speaking at the 27th National Space Symposium

This article is part of Space Watch: November 2011 (Volume: 10, Issue: 11).