Failure is not an option

Think back to a time before man landed on the moon. In fact, go further back to a time before space travel was even a possibility.  It may astonish you to realize that it was not that long ago.

Initial space exploration proposals date back a mere fifty-eight years (1954 and 1955).  It was not until Russia launched the first man-made object to be placed into the Earth's orbit that those proposals were revived. Fueled by the Cold War, the launch of Sputnik on October 4, 1957 marked the beginning of the Space Race.

On January 31, 1958, the US launched its first rocket into space (The Explorer 1). Later that same year (July 29, 1958) President Dwight Eisenhower signed a public order creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a federal agency dedicated to space exploration. It was President Kennedy's speech's on the "space race" that created a laser like focus and dedication to the Space program. 

At his May 25, 1961 Congress Address, President Kennedy set the goal of getting to the moon before the end of the 60's.This dramatic speech infused NASA'S Apollo program with much needed enthusiasm and funds. 

"For while we cannot guarantee that we shall one day be first, 

we can guarantee that any failure to make 

this effort will make us last." 

On Sept 12, 1962 President Kennedy gave his famous speech on the Nations Space effort, at Rice University: 

"But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win"

Apollo 8 marked the first human-crewed space craft to leave the earth's orbit, reach the moon, and return safely to earth. On Christmas eve 1968, the first images of earth were televised as Apollo 8 circled the moon. The crew marked the historic moment by reading from The book of Genesis. This  mission gave human kind the first look of our home.

On July 20, 1969  President Kennedy's goal was achieved by the Apollo 11 mission. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins were the astronauts aboard Apollo 11, but it was Neil Armstrong who became the first man to walk on the moon. Taking his first step with his left boot he uttered his now famous words: 

"That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind."

Before the moon landing, people could say of seemingly far-fetched dreams: "You couldn't do that, no more than you could go to the moon."  This constricting belief was shattered when Apollo 11 landed on moon. It pushed the human perception of possibilities and thereafter exemplifies the notion: "Nothing is unattainable."

For me, the "Space Race" saga stands as a blue print for success. NASA's Christopher C. Kraft, Jr (the NASA engineer and manager who was instrumental in establishing the agency's Mission Control operation) created the motto: 

"Failure is not an Option" 

It expresses ever so succinctly NASA's determination and commitment to their goals. The Space program was riddled with set backs; some came at the high price of human lives.  NASA learned valuable lessons from each set back all while holding firm to their goals - these are the key factors to their success. 

 

On a sad note, Saturday, August 25, 2012,  Neil Armstrong passed away at 82 years old. To him and to the numerous others who dedicate their lives to exploring new frontiers and breaking down seemingly impenetrable barriers, I say "Thank you." It is through your sacrifice, determination and skill that I glean hope to continue striving for my dreams.

All my best,  DawnMarie

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