42nd Anniversary of First Man on the Moon Comes as NASA Ends Manned Space Program

WJHG.com CHannel 7: 42nd Anniversary of First Man on the Moon Comes as NASA Ends Manned Space Program
Thursday marks the 42nd anniversary of man's first stop on the moon. It will also mark the end of America's manned space program, at least for the foreseeable future.

The space shuttle Atlantis crew is scheduled to land Thursday. It's the last of the shuttle missions, which leaves many wondering, what's next? We wanted to know how some of you feel about the future of American space exploration.

Wonderworks' space exhibits is about as close as most of us will ever get to space. With the shuttle missions coming to an end, the public is left with mixed reactions.

"I wish they would have kept the space program because I think it's a big deal discovering new stuff in space, so it's kind of sad they're shutting it down" says twelve year old Zachary Baldwin.

James Edwards of Panama City Beach has a different outlook.

"Forty-two years ago we made a milestone, and our biggest milestone since that has been putting a couple of unmanned rovers on planets that have yielded absolutely no fruit whatsoever".

The aging shuttle fleet and budget cuts essentially eliminated U.S. manned space exploration. Some say, considering the economy, it's time to put our money elsewhere.

"You don't go to Vegas when you have $500 in your pocket, which, as a country, we are trillions of dollars in debt spending billions of dollars in the stars. What good could come of it?" says vacationer Djamel Bouchama.

Many of NASA's technological advancements, like velcro, have become part of our everyday lives.

It's ironic these youngsters seem to have lost that fact, as they play with some of that technology at Wonderworks.

Americans will return to the International Space Station, by hitching a ride with the Russians. The estimate cost of those tagging along with the Russians will be $63 million dollars a trip.