SPAACSE is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to educating the general public about space exploration and its benefits to humanity. SPAACSE members showcase their talents to convey the beauty, mystique, and promise of the final frontier. SPAACSE events include art, drama, music, dance, ice skating, fashion, sports, science fiction, journalism, cinema, and other cultural events. Space exploration extravaganzas are being planned for Florida, New York, and Los Angeles, with new locations to be added each year.
Space exploration has contributed over 30,000 technological marvels to our everyday lives. A few contributions have been CAT scans, MRIs, "cool suits," air and water purification systems, energy-saving air conditioning, the "jaws of life," Flexon ski boots, laser angioplasty, programmable pacemakers, breast cancer detection, ultrasound scanners, PCs, and radiation blocking sunglasses. SPAACSE members intend to educate the public about spin-off technologies through public service announcements, videos, exhibits, and seminars.
Space exploration celebrates the dreams of humanity. As humans prepare to explore and eventually colonize the solar system during the next century, it is important to remember that space belongs to everyone. As a space faring nation, continued exploration will require not only scientists, but also artists, teachers, athletes, musicians, plumbers, chefs, and people from literally every walk of life. SPAACSE fosters public participation by sponsoring space-themed contests, ranging from artwork and music to "sports in space." SPAACSE has a program called "Rising Star" which features college scholarships for high school seniors and celebrity school visits to inspire children.
The more we explore the Universe, the more we learn about ourselves. The challenge of space fosters the human qualities of courage, ingenuity, teamwork, and achievement of what once seemed impossible. During the Apollo 11 lunar landing, the world stood united and transfixed by televised images of astronauts walking on the Moon. More recently when Pathfinder landed on Mars, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory couldn't even handle the millions of web site hits that were coming in daily. Public interest is there; it needs to be fostered through education for motivation. Today, over 16 countries are cooperating in the largest engineering and scientific project ever, the International Space Station. New commercial industries such as space tourism will appear within the next few decades, allowing the general public to realize its dreams of space flight.
As JFK once said, "Man's reach should always exceed his grasp." The journey to the stars is truly beginning. Come join us!
