Outside Cultural Events 2: Artemis 1 Rocket Launch

                When we think of the space race, we think of a time when Russia and The United States were mortal enemies trying to exert dominance over each other while citizens lived in fear of a possible nuclear war. At the same time, we also think of the patriotism that comes with it, the uniting excitement and triumph of landing on the moon. Unfortunately, since that period we have yet to go back. Artemis 1 is NASA’s first step in an attempt to recapture the glory. Its just a test of a new rocket and yet I think it has captured that glory already. As I watched the live stream of the rocket launch, they showed the crowds, massive gatherings of people there out in the cold before the break of dawn all waiting patiently for the start of America’s journey back to the moon. You would think that the launch of the largest rocket in history would dominate the sound, silencing everything else, but instead it was dominated by the cheers of people. In that moment those crowds were all united under a common enthusiasm, everyone no matter the political party, no matter the race, gender, age, etc. was celebrating together. In a time where the country is dividing over nearly everything, I think that is something truly special and extremely representative of the way our country can come together sometimes. I loved watching the rocket launch and I can’t wait for the third one when they start sending people.