Something I have trouble explaining about space travel. Like, if you've read my book, you know I think human space faring is probably not economically valuable. It's not a good use of science dollars compared to other areas. I'm even skeptical of the case for inspiration (it doesn't seem to causally related to more aerospace degrees).
But it's also just really cool. Why don't I feel this way about Antarctica or Seabed exploration?
@copper_tunic @ZachWeinersmith
The space race inspired *many* varieties of STEM degrees, not just Aerospace.
50+ years ago I was glued to coverage of Apollo even more than I am to Artemis now.
The post Sputnik curriculum reform pushed me into STEM; i did pure math and very applied systems programming as a liberal arts degree, go figure. Would i have got there without Sputnik, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab? Maybe but uncertain. Could've been a Lawyer or Actuary or Historian.
Zach Weinersmith
unit327
Bill Ricker