I love the U.S. space program - in particular the Apollo Program of the 1960s and 1970s that put the first humans on the moon. Why? Not only was it a grand technological achievement, one we have not seen the likes of since, but it was also an undeniable example of what Americans can accomplish when the entire country is focused like a laser on a seemingly impossible goal!

During that period of time, America was locked in a bitter "cold war" battle with the Soviet Union. The fear of nuclear holocaust was ever present with tensions running high between rivaling nations. In the late 1950s, the Russians started a space program pushing towards technological intimidation with military overtones, and an eventual moon landing. In fact, they were first to orbit a satellite, first to put a human in space, first to orbit a human around the earth, and first to do a human spacewalk. America, at least at that time, would not allow itself to become a technological runner-up and charged ahead with a rival moon program, championed by the late president John F. Kennedy. Although the science involved in going to the moon was the stuff of pure fantasy, the real spark came from this competition.

After over 10 years of continuous work, on July 20, 1969, the lunar module Eagle, part of the Apollo 11 spacecraft, landed on the moon ahead of the Russians. The first man to step out onto the lunar surface, Neil Armstrong, a native of Ohio, planted his boots in the lunar dust speaking the immortal words "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind". The program ended in 1972 with the moon mission of Apollo 17.

In the end, the good guys prevailed with the Russians abandoning any lunar landing attempt. Today, it may seem wasteful to have spent so much money (about 90 billion in today's dollars) and so much national effort on a "competition", but the accomplishment set America on a path of great advances in science and technology still in play today - from medical devices to hydrogen fuel cell cars. It inspired a generation of young people (now aging baby boomers) to pursue careers in math and science. It forged a sense of national pride that demanded attention and respect across the globe, and sealed America's fate as the lone superpower. 

Much like the struggles we find ourselves in today, the program suffered many setbacks - including the fatal Apollo 1 fire, gigantic budget overruns, and equipment that wouldn't work. Many were not sure a landing would ever happen, and unsteady politicians threatened to pull the plug. Sound familiar?