I've posted this before but with the anniversary of the moon walk I wanted to post again

[RB TexLa]

At the first moon landing the words mentioned mankind but an American flag was then planted on the moon. With the world setting at the time this was an even nationalist in nature. We have the chance now to change that. The United States can lead the way in making space exploration a world event instead of a nationalist one. We can propose and push forward the creation of a World space agency. Combine and share the resources and rewards of all our space programs. Europe, Russia, China, the United States and everyone else who wants to join in working together for the betterment of humanity. We would also be looking at significant costs reductions for not just us but everyone involved in space exploration.

We have a president who has committed to restoring America's image in the world. This is a perfect opportunity for this, with a renewed interest in space now is the time to unite the world in this endeavor.

[imdjh]

1. Only if those same companies will agree to standardize lots of the parts we use on earth.

I get so sick of all these weird little parts and tools I need from time to time. Is there a good reason why some companies use weird little fasteners that no one else uses?

[cherokeeprogressive]

2. Isn't it called the "International" Space Station?

I'm getting a sense of circular logic here. You want space exploration to be a "world event" instead of a nationalist one, but you start the sentence with "The United States can lead the way". You want a "World space agency", but you want the United States to propose it, and push it forward?

Do you remember Skylab? We've been sharing the world stage in the context of space exploration for quite a long time.

[RB TexLa]

3. We share costs and work on the space station, that's been a good start

we just need to united NASA, ESA and the rest under one international space program. Someone has to lead the world to that I think we can as part of our responsibility to the world.

[cherokeeprogressive]

4. The only problem I see with that...

Only a handful of the community of nations have the wherewithal to contribute to a "World Space Agency". Not that I wouldn't like to see it, that's not my point. It's just that we're a very long way from living in a world where everyone could contribute. Given that, there would be only a handful of nations who could would dictate the direction our space exploration would take. Add to that the fact that some theocratic nations would probably resist any advances/knowledge gains that result, and I'm afraid that a "World Space Agency" is probably out of the question.

I don't have a problem with being the only nation that has landed humans on the moon. I was very proud that we were the first. My Maternal Grandparents worked for the space program at what was once North American Aviation, then North American Rockwell, and finally Rockwell. There was much pride in that at our house.

I would like to see what you propose come to fruition, but have to say that realistically it's not in the realm of realistic possibility.