"While there is still much to learn and discover through space exploration, we also need to pay attention to our unexplored world here on earth. Our next big leap into the unknown can be every bit as exciting and bold as our pioneering work in space. It possesses the same “wow” factor: alien worlds, dazzling technological feats and the mystery of the unknown."
Space exploration is the physical investigation of outer space by uncrewed robotic space probes and through human spaceflight.
"With a partnership that includes 15 nations and with 68 nations currently using the ISS [International Space Station] in one way or another, this unique orbiting laboratory is a clear demonstration of the benefits to humankind that can be achieved through peaceful global cooperation."
"Some say God is living there [in space]. I was looking around very attentively, but I did not see anyone there. I did not detect either angels or gods…. I dont believe in God. I believe in man—his strength, his possibilities, his reason."
"Two centuries ago, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark left St. Louis to explore the new lands acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. They made that journey in the spirit of discovery to learn the potential of the vast new territory and to chart the way for others to follow. America has ventured forth into space for the same reasons. Weve undertaken space travel because the desire to explore and understand is part of our character. And that quest has brought tangible benefits that improve our lives in countless ways. The exploration of space has led to advances in weather forecasting, in communications, in computing, search and rescue technology, robotics and electronics. [These advances] helped to create our satellite telecommunications network and the Global Positioning System. [Also,] CAT scanners and MRI machines trace their origins to technology engineered for the use in space. . . . Mankind is drawn to the heavens for the same reason we were once drawn into unknown lands and across the open sea. We choose to explore space because doing so improves our lives and lifts our national spirit."
"At 162 feet long, this rocket, the Soyuz-FG, is noticeably smaller than the assembled space shuttle, but its still a daunting colossus, a building-size object that will, we hope, leave the ground, with us riding on top of it, at twenty-five times the speed of sound. Its navy gray sheet metal, adorned with low-tech rivets, is unbeautiful but somehow comforting in its utility. The Soyuz-FG is the grandchild of the Soviet R-7, the worlds first intercontinental ballistic missile. The R-7 was designed during the Cold War for launching nuclear weapons at American targets, and I cant help remembering how as a child I was aware that New York City, and my suburb of West Orange, New Jersey, would have certainly been among the first targets to be instantly vaporized by a Soviet attack. Today, Im standing inside their formerly secret facility, discussing with two Russians our plans to trust one another with our lives while riding to space on this converted weapon. Gennady, Misha and I all served in our militaries before being chosen to fly in space, and though its something we never talk about, we all know we could have been ordered to kill one another. Now we are taking part in the largest peaceful international collaboration in history. When people ask whether the space station is worth the expense, this is something I always point out. What is it worth to see two former bitter enemies transform their weapons into transport for exploration and the pursuit of scientific knowledge? . . . This is impossible to put a dollar figure on, but to me its one of the things that makes this project worth the expense, even worth risking our lives."
"Many years ago the great British explorer George Mallory, who was to die on Mount Everest, was asked why did he want to climb it. He said "Because it is there." Well, space is there, and were going to climb it, and the moon and the planets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there."
"The emergence of this new world poses a vital issue: will outer space be preserved for peaceful use and developed for the benefit of all mankind? Or will it become another focus for the arms race—and thus an area of dangerous and sterile competition? The choice is urgent. And it is ours to make. The nations of the world have recently united in declaring the continent of Antarctica "off limits" to military preparations. We could extend this principle to an even more important sphere. National vested interests have not yet been developed in space or in celestial bodies. Barriers to agreement are now lower than they will ever be again."