TULSA, Okla. — It took nine years for NASA astronauts to attempt a launch back into space, and in that time leaps in technology have been made that could affect our everyday lives.
Scientists say the upcoming SpaceX launch with NASA is a crucial moment in history. Alex London, curator of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, says space travel going commercial could create jobs and research for the next generation like never before.
"There are so many folks who may have not had these opportunities 10 years ago that now have the opportunity to be an engineer and work on the SpaceX team,” London said. "It’s great for our younger viewers because if you want to do this, there’s a role for you in this."
Creative minds looking to the stars don’t have to look outside Tulsa to get involved in the next generation of space travel. London says crucial parts made for space missions are developed right here in Green Country.
"We have plenty of aerospace companies that have some small role, whether it’s making a shuttle-bay door, or a crane specifically engineered for projects like this one," London said. "All of these different elements put together the larger whole in a launch or the International Space Station.”
The new technology creates a possible first step in the next age of space travel. London says the technology that comes from those discoveries could change our daily lives. Space technology in the past has helped advance cell phones, GPS, and many of our day-to-day devices.
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