The last launch of the space shuttle is definitely the closing of a chapter in America’s dominance in space. The 1960s and ’70s demonstrated what America is capable of when great leaders set great national goals. The space shuttle was to be a continuation of our technical prowess. Unfortunately the shuttle did not meet the original design goal of making access to space routine and cost-efficient. However, after having been part of the shuttle program for the past five years, I can tell you the shuttle is truly an amazing vehicle.

All good things must eventually come to an end. Someone decided it’s time to retire the shuttle fleet after an amazing 30-year career marked with triumph (repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, building the International Space Station) and tragedy (the loss of Challenger and Columbia).

Yes, it is a time to be sad. Be sad for the loss of a dedicated, talented workforce of more than 50 years in the making. It will be very difficult to reassemble such a cast if our future space programs require it. Be sad that we are forced to rely on our Russian ally, not our rival, to transport our astronauts to the International Space Station — an orbiting laboratory that was largely paid for by our tax dollars. The Russians didn’t invent capitalism, but they sure know how to use it. Getting our astronauts and supplies to the space station will not be cheap.

But most importantly, be sad for our future generations. Be sad for those who do not have a source of inspiration to lead them into studying science, math or engineering. Without future generations of scientists and engineers, this country will continue to lag in discovering new technologies and our power as a nation on the world stage will continue to diminish. Be sad that those generations will dream of going to the moon or Mars after watching China or India do it first.

As JFK once said: “The exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join in it or not, and it’s one of the greatest adventures of all time.”

All we need is the direction from our government, the willingness to let us do it, and you will see what this country is capable of doing. I hope America’s next chapter in space is as great as the last chapter has been.

Jon A. Vermedahl

NASA engineer

former resident Lake Mills, Iowa

Houston, Texas