the explorers journal - The Explorers Club

the explorers journal
spring 2010
president’s letter
a new golden age
The theme of ECAD 2010, “On the Cusp of Infinity: Exploring
the Universes Out There,” focuses on a very important topic
to us all, which is especially relevant to those involved in the
discovery realm. Today, discovery is on the brink of a whole new
“golden age” of exploration relating to the rapidly expanding
boundaries of our universe. As space exploration continues to
develop—along with the opportunities that it generates—there
remain many hurdles and concerns ahead. As a species, however,
we must continue to explore space, not only from a discovery
perspective but also as a means to seek out other habitable
environments and possible life-forms. It is the discovery work
undertaken by many Explorers Club members and their colleagues
today—both on Earth as well as beyond—that may well
help to ensure the chances of long-term survival of our species
and help to protect us going forward by providing alternative
planetary scenarios.
Recent changes in federal funding focus, however, indicate
a renewed emphasis on science and technology away from
human space flight; instead it emphasizes robotic exploration,
research, and International Space Station updates. Each day
brings new discoveries, many of unknown planets orbiting other
Sun-like stars, which have raised hope that some may prove
habitable. New information has also helped to identify a number
of previously known worlds that may once have been or may
remain currently at least partially viable for life-forms. It is anticipated
that humans will again return to the Moon and eventually
to Mars. However, human space travel in the near term, at least,
appears that it will increasingly fall within the realm of private
enterprise. Although government funding will be available to
encourage commercial endeavors interested in promulgating
private space voyage, a concerted multinational approach is
critical to maximize such undertakings. As exploration of our
solar system and beyond continues to beckon, The Explorers
Club intends to be there.
Lorie Karnath, President