Fly me to the moon...

So NASA today sent up what is to be the last mission into space for the space shuttle program. It was a real exciting moment for me getting to watch it today (mostly because I love anything space related) but it also got me thinking. Its a shame that NASA is cutting the program without much of a plan or set of vehicles to take us to the next step. I know there is a lot of talk about going back to the Moon or even to Mars, but I think we are doing a major disservice to ourselves if we remove our national space organization from the public eye.
Here's my thinking: in a world that so easy is connected to each other, we need something to inspire the generation after us. Now, I was not around for the Apollo program or missions prior to them, but the stories I have been hearing on the days up to the launch describe how we did not do this for money in the beginning. Nor did we really do this because we were in a Cold War (although I'm sure it helped). We did it because it gave people hope that America could come together to do something great. And in turn, it inspired generations after to pursue something greater than themselves.
I think we need to do this again: another 'Race to the Moon.' But this time, its not pitting country against country, but instead to inspire the global community to more. A commentator on CNN today mentioned that to get to Mars, it would have to be an international mission. This could inspire a new generation to do great things. So often I hear about my generation being narcissistic and constantly stuck to our technology. Instead of walking around yelling 'the sky is falling,' let's takea page out of JFK's book and inspire others to do great things.
I think this is part of the call to be a Catholic. Often, for me, its a lot of 'do this, not that' and the why's and how's behind them. But beyond our own responsibility to follow to call of Christ, I believe we are also called to change the world. But this doesn't necessarily mean each of us is meant to be the next president or Mother Teresa. We can be the one to impress upon our friends, family or children the God-given ability to do more and to make the world a better place. And from there we too would be answering at least some part of our Gospel call.