 |
|
The release yesterday of more stunning photographs of the surface of Mars reminds us once more of the relative insignificance of Earth. On a day when concerts to highlight the realities of climate change are announced, we must remember that Man has yet to set foot on another planet. Furthermore, the scientific endeavour and bravery of those previous generations who dared to contemplate space travel now allows us to look at our Earth from afar, to fully realise the damage we humans are doing to the global environment.
Man is nothing without endeavour. I have written previously on the importance of science. The desire to travel and discover contributes greatly to what makes us all human. For me space travel is truly inspirational. I firmly disagree with those people who think space exploration is too higher a cost to pay. For example, there are undeniably many hungry people in the world. However, I do not believe their plight has been exacerbated by Man going into space. Indeed, if we take the example of Bangladesh, one can see that Man’s ability to see the coastal erosion has vividly illustrated the urgent need to address climate change. The exploration of Space has benefitted the human race.
Man should be about pushing back frontiers. We should be about seeking new knowledge. It is for that reason that the absence of Britain at the forefront of Space exploration has always puzzled me. The ‘Great’ of Great Britain was established on the back of exploration and technological advance. It was because we went to new places first that we established an Empire. It was because we had the first industrial revolution known to Man that we became so powerful. That revolution was firmly based upon inventions such as the combustion engine, and our confidence to take on the next challenge. When did we lose the desire to be first?
Britain should make a firm commitment to explore Space. Public and private funds should be made available to put Britain back at the front of human exploration. Obviously, I recognise that we are no longer a superpower, however, that is no excuse. We should be joining with our international friends in the pursuit of putting man further into Space. So where should we go now? It has to be a planet, so therefore, it has to be Mars. Why Mars? Well, as Sam Seaborn said in my favourite political TV drama, “‘Cause it’s next”.
