Tell Me How to Feel About Space

Space exploration evokes complex human emotions, balancing deep-seated fears of catastrophic failure with the profound hope of scientific advancement. Astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi explains that modern space missions, such as Artemis II, represent a critical shift toward building a sustainable space infrastructure that mirrors the economic impact of the internet or the smartphone. While the public sector drives basic science and frontier exploration, the private sector increasingly manages established technologies and commercial launches. Despite the inherent dangers of space travel, these missions remain vital for fostering global unity and pushing the boundaries of human potential. Ultimately, the vast, lonely darkness of the universe highlights the fragility of Earth, reinforcing the necessity for humanity to view itself as a single, collective species working toward a future beyond current geopolitical divisions.