Growing up, building Revell models of the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft, it seemed as if our destiny was to go to space. And when we turned our backs on space exploration, it seemed like a betrayal.

The quest for knowledge claimed seven more yesterday. We are defined by what we attempt as surely as we are defined by what we achieve. We will be back.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,–and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless falls of air… Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, nor eer eagle flew– And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high, untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God.