We Need Space: The View From Down Here

When I was growing up, NASA was gigantic; it was bigger than anything. We watched launches in our classrooms and culture was all about space. I haven’t felt that same energy again, not really, until the Artemis II mission.

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This isn't just about the cool technology, though the tech is super cool. It’s about what space does to us down here. It makes us come together and look up in a way that blurs the artificial boundaries we create. It reminds us that we are still capable of doing hard, beautiful, and wildly ambitious things.

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There are a few things we can take away from the Artemis II mission that don’t require being on a rocket.

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Leave One Orbit Next Week

We all live within our own routines, habits, and familiar patterns. To "leave one orbit" is a reminder to step outside that bubble on purpose. It doesn’t have to be dramatic; it can be as simple as taking a different route to work, trying something unfamiliar, or talking to someone new. The goal is to interrupt the autopilot. Even a small break from your normal rhythm can create the fresh energy and perspective needed for creativity and growth.

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Capture One Earthset Moment

"Earthset" is really all about perspective. It’s about pausing long enough to see something ordinary in a new or more meaningful way. This could mean literally taking a photo, or simply noticing a detail or interaction you’d normally rush past. It is a practice of attention. When you slow down, the world often feels richer and more inspiring. It reminds us that insight isn’t always something you chase – sometimes, it’s something you notice.

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‍Expect Radio Silence

At some point, things will go quiet. A project might stall, a response might not come, or you may feel unsure if your efforts are even working. In space travel, silence is expected; in life, it requires resilience. Silence does not mean failure. It is often just a necessary part of the process. If you expect these moments rather than being thrown by them, you can stay steady and do the work until you come out the other side.

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Be The Space Plumber

Not every meaningful contribution is visible or "shiny." Often, progress depends entirely on doing the practical, unglamorous work. To "be the space plumber" means being willing to solve the problem directly in front of you. Teams move forward because someone is willing to handle the leaks, the friction, and the messy details. There is profound value in being the person who simply makes things work.

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The reason all of this matters isn’t just because rockets are cool. That said, they are, obviously. It matters because it reminds us of what we are capable of. It reminds us that we can look up, work together, that wonder still matters, and it reminds us that the point of going far away is to come back seeing things more clearly.