When Russia, then Soviet Union (SU) launched sputnik way back in October 1957, America was caught napping, Soviet Union President Nikita Khrushchev taking full advantage on the propaganda front, the launch was followed by two more sputniks in space, in quick succession, one with a dog called Laika, the first living creature in space, who died after a week in orbit.
To make matters worse, first American launch exploded before take-off and SU also announced the successful launch of ICBM that created panic and inferior complexion on technology front, reignited arms race in earnest. Although President Eisenhower tried to play down the significance of the launch, American public demanded action.
No wonder, Eisenhower’s deputy, Vice President Richard Nixon lost to young, dynamic President John F. Kennedy who embarked on a ten year mission to put an astronaut on Moon, giving unlimited funding to NASA. He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, America landing astronaut on Moon in 1968 well before deadline, although President Kennedy was not there to see his dream come true!
Recently Vice President Mike Pence, speaking on behalf of President Trump, celebrating 50th anniversary of first Moon landing in 1969, announced America’s intention to send first woman astronaut to Moon by 2024, followed by establishing Moon base to explore universe and launch manned mission to Mars. The last astronaut to walk on Moon was way back in 1972. One may wonder why America abandoned Moon mission! If it was continued, then America may have succeeded in putting a man on Mars well before now.
It seems America’s desire to enter space race has been ignited by Chinese success in landing a space-craft on dark side of the Moon, success never achieved before by any nation. America also feels that it is only a matter of time before China would land astronauts on Moon and unlike America and Russia, China would go on building permanent human settlements on Moon, not only to explore Universe but to use Moon as military base to subjugate the world. Mr Pen also announced Mr Trump’s desire to establish U S Space Force, to counter Chinese threat.
Whatever we may think of Mr Trump, he is street-wise politician, understands who are America’s real friends, including Russia and who poses real threat to Western world, namely China, unlike our holier-than- thou, self-righteous politicians living in their Ivory Tower, cut-off from reality at ground level! They cannot even negotiate a successful Brexit, let alone enter space race!
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
