Space X Crew Dragon Launch – Hope In the Midst of Chaos
[June 4, 2020]
Although electric cars have some political overtones to some, The Watt Car strives to present balanced analysis and observation of the electrified transportation universe separate from the shifting political currents surrounding EVs. And unlike some other EV blogs and sites, we try to avoid being overly sycophantic toward the undisputed rock star figure of the EV world, Elon Musk. But it’s indisputable that not only has Musk and his companies transformed the automotive world, but with the successful launch and docking of Crew Dragon with the International Space Station, transformed and revitalized the dream of American space exploration and travel.
The successful launch and docking of Crew Dragon represents the first time since 2011 that the United States has launched its own astronauts into space. From then until now, we’ve been reliant on the Russian space program for launches. The most recent launch is also the first time NASA has collaborated with a private company to a launch a manned crew into space.
Whatever your feelings about Elon Musk as an individual, his lifestyle, or quirky personality, the Crew Dragon launch was a rare moment of hope and American pride in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and tragically, the nationwide riots and protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
And as hard as it may be to believe that there are people who still haven’t heard of Tesla cars, the exposure of Robert “Bob” Behnken and Douglas “Doug” Hurley riding to the launch pad in a Tesla Model X certainly didn’t hurt. I don’t want to necessarily conflate the success of Space X and Tesla, but there’s little doubt there’s been some cross-pollination of engineering talent and vision between the two companies, after all, they have the same leader. And although Elon Musk’s name is now synonymous with Tesla, his involvement with Space X predates his active role in Tesla by two years.
Bob Behnken (left) and Doug Hurley (right) prepare to board Crew Dragon on a historic flight to space.
Whether you’re talking Space X or Tesla, both companies represent an aspirational, future-focused hope and belief in American ingenuity and technological leadership. The fact that both Musk, and Nikola Tesla (the namesake of the car brand, if you hadn’t gathered) are immigrants only adds to the lore of the American dream.
The U.S. and the world are facing some weighty, serious issues of public health, human rights, injustice, and the effects of climate change. But for about an hour on Saturday, millions forgot the worries of the world, and looked to the stars. May we retain that sense of hope and optimism through the challenges we’re currently facing.
(Images courtesy Space X)
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