"It's Amazing That It Was Possible At All."

As the last space shuttle mission orbits Earth, OTR is reminded of that day in October 1957 when Russia placed the first artificial satellite in a similar orbit. He turned eleven that year and since then has spent many a night peering into that infinite, dark and jeweled dome overhead. OTR knows there will be more manned space missions coming out of both NASA and private endeavors. Still, it seems difficult to say goodbye to the thirty-year-old shuttle program that has given us so many opportunities to extend our reach of possibilities. And furthermore, we must now face an immediate dependence on the Russian space program to give us access to the International Space Station. Yes, we are stepping back a bit, but OTR hopes it is only for a moment.

Some imaginative minds at The Sagan Series on Facebook,com have created a most entertaining video on our once vigorous space program and why it is such a compelling aspect of the human--especially American--experience. OTR thinks it will be the most uplifting five minutes and forty-four seconds you'll have today. Do enjoy.

Here is your link via Moonbattery. Don't let the accompanying commentary depress you. Though what is says is honest, OTR doubts the policies will survive beyond January 2013.

Photo: Atlantis liftoff, July 8, 2011. Credit: NASA