It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I get a shocked expression from my wife (and anyone willing to listen ) when I mention my idea. I have no shame in this regard to my family’s opinions. If I received a phone call, right at this moment, that I could travel into space, even aboard a hastily equipped space shuttle, even if I had to leave Vermilion right away to begin training, I wouldn’t hesitate. I would definitely go.
Let me be clear about this. This is not just something I’ve picked to ramble about this week. I have put in many hours of thought. Despite the enormous risk I see the reward as something that would be truly worthwhile.
I’m not entirely sure why I want to do this. Perhaps it was the glorious picture of space travel that I read from the masters such as Asimov, Bradbury or Heinlein. Or is it the several things that can be experienced? There is the extreme acceleration of take-off, going from zero to twenty-two thousand kilometers per hour in eight minutes. There’s the feeling of zero gravity with its associated side-effects of vomiting, swelling of joints, or headaches as the blood pools in the skull. I’m not particularly excited about learning how to use the washroom in the absence of gravity.
It is interesting how every single person who has seen the Earth from orbit has reported a change of heart – an epiphany. These are mostly fighter pilots – people taught to push extremes. To be cold, calculating and accurate. These experiences are recorded in the book, The Overview Effect. Astronauts realize how thin the atmosphere is and yet must sustain the whole planet. One person reported that it was strange to see the land without the artificial borders we place on our maps. Another noticed the brightness of the cities during the night. Gene Cernan was even struck with the realization that the world is really round and not flat.
The comments of astronauts have been used by environmentalists and others wanting to end conflict in the world. That is part of what I want to experience. I could also learn more about myself, about rockets, physics and other intellectual ideals. But I really want to step back and realize where I am and how great it all is.
