Let’s not allow the ‘Golden Age’ of space exploration to turn into fool’s gold

In recent years, a popular slogan in the space industry has been, “We are entering the Golden Age of space exploration.” Indeed, we have witnessed unprecedented advancements in launch vehicles, the initial development of private space stations, and all other forms of space-related capabilities. This vision was strengthened even more during the inaugural address earlier this year when President Trump stated that American astronauts would “plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” The ‘Golden Age’ not only seemed to be inevitable, but imminent.