An Astronaut’s Views on U.S. Space Program

Buzz Aldrin’s frustration with the U.S. space program is echoed at all levels throughout the country. I think it would be useful to collect public views on the space program from a wider spectrum than just astronauts.

Some of us can remember the thrills and joys of helping to land an American on the moon, not to mention the dedication and vigor that went into the preparatory effort for quite a few years before the July 16, 1969, launch of Apollo 11.

In 1961, when I was employed by what was then North American Aviation (now Rockwell), I witnessed an enormous enthusiasm that echoed throughout the buildings in Downey when President John F. Kennedy urged all America to explore the moon before the end of that decade. We were excited about the prospect of putting a space station on the moon. However, it seems that other national priorities eclipsed this inviting opportunity.

I think it’s not too late to transform JFK’s words into reality. The moon is still waiting for us. It might pay us to consider how we can utilize the moon as an astro-environmental monitoring station--a scientific base for clearer understanding of what is happening environmentally here on Earth--as well as for a mineral factory. Then we would really have something to celebrate.

SHELDON J. KARLAN

Buena Park