News in early July is usually dominated by Fourth of July celebrations and sporting events like the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, and the MLB All-Star Game. This July has been no different, other than coverage of three separate American billionaires going, or soon planning to go, into outer space.
Traditionally, and even very recently, space exploration has deserved the attention of the media and the rest of us. Past trips into space have served to inspire individuals, nations, and the entire world, a symbol, if not actual proof, of the progress of society. These recent endeavors into space are said to prove space travel can be successfully performed by the private sector and that reaching space is within the grasp of the average person. It’s also been frequently dubbed nothing more than the competition between, and placation of, the massive egos of these three billionaires. Regardless, it got me thinking about the progress provided by the space race and exploration of the universe, as well as other historic undertakings, that have led directly to progress here on Earth.