Due to some media hype, many are of the assumption that NASA and SpaceX are out for blood in the latest space race to Mars. However, that is not the case. In fact, the two couldn’t be better friends.
NO SPACE RACE FOR SPACEX AND NASA
For years, we’ve expressed our Mars dreams through countless television shows, movies, and comics. Now, these wild dreams are becoming a reality. Thanks to the ambitious plans by SpaceX and NASA. Both have goals to reach the Red Planet soon. Hence, many assumed this meant fierce competition is underway. Sorry to ruin the excitement, but there is nothing but a little friendly rivalry here.
NASA PLANS TO THROW SPACEX A PARTY
According to Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s new associate administrator for science, he will throw Elon Musk a party “out of my own money”. Zurburchen talked about the importance of empathy. To him, we can learn a lot just by talking to people. Competition often gets in the way of simple conversation. If we all just took the time to practice empathy instead of trying to conquer our opponents, the world would be a better place. Anyway, SpaceX has not yet commented on their party plans for the U.S. space agency.
SPACEX AND NASA TEAMING UP FOR GALACTIC PEACE
While both companies are separate entities and have different plans, they have partnered for a 2018 Mars mission. Here, they will test systems needed for a future manned exploration. Hopefully, this act of teamwork will carry on to the Red Planet where we can build a society based on helping everyone as opposed to the benefits of just a few. Musk and the U.S. agency seem to want that for the future. However, we all know how ambitions of peace usually turn out. Let’s hope it’s different this time.
