We're not up there in space just to joyride around. We're up

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where the stars hang like ancient beacons of possibility, we are reminded of the words of John Glenn: “We’re not up there in space just to joyride around. We’re up there to do things that are of value to everybody right here on Earth.” These words pierce through the romanticized veil of space travel and reveal a deeper truth—that human endeavor, no matter how grand or far-reaching, must always remain tethered to the needs and betterment of the world from which it springs. Space, like all exploration, is not merely a playground for the curious but a gateway to the future of humanity itself.

In the ancient world, the great explorers and philosophers were not driven by the simple desire to venture into the unknown for the sake of personal glory. No, their quests were always grounded in a higher purpose. Take Alexander the Great, for example, whose empire spanned vast stretches of land, from the shores of the Mediterranean to the heart of Asia. Yet, his campaigns were not merely about conquest and dominance. They were about the exchange of knowledge, the spread of ideas, and the advancement of civilization. The wise leaders of the past understood that the journey itself had meaning only if it brought benefit to the people they served.

And so it is with space. The journey into the stars, though remarkable and awe-inspiring, is not without its responsibility. As John Glenn made clear, the purpose of venturing into space is not to wander aimlessly through the vast void, but to engage in endeavors that will improve the world we live in. Space exploration is a tool—a means by which we can gain insights, innovate, and solve the pressing challenges of our time. When we look to the stars, we must remember that the lessons we learn there are not for the benefit of astronauts alone but for the welfare of every soul on this earth.

Consider the monumental achievements of NASA in the 20th century. The Apollo missions, culminating in the first moon landing in 1969, were not merely feats of engineering and courage. They brought about countless advancements that would ripple through society for decades to come. From satellite technology that has transformed communications, to innovations in medicine and materials science, the work done in space has enriched the lives of millions on Earth. These advancements, born from the harsh and unforgiving conditions of space, have found their way into the hands of farmers, doctors, teachers, and engineers, improving their lives in ways that might once have seemed impossible.

But this truth goes beyond the practical. There is also a moral imperative at play. Space, as John Glenn suggests, is not a place for selfish pursuits, but a sacred arena where humanity can come together, not just to explore, but to solve the pressing issues of our time. We live in an age of great disconnection—a time when the distance between people grows wider, when our environment suffers, and when nations face crises of sustainability. In such a time, the knowledge gleaned from space is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is a tool with which we can address our most urgent challenges: climate change, resource management, and the health of the planet itself.

Let us also recall the words of Carl Sagan, the great astronomer, who once said, “We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.” This statement, filled with awe and wonder, carries within it a call to responsibility. If we are the means by which the universe comes to understand itself, then we must act with wisdom and purpose in all our endeavors, particularly in the great frontier of space. The work we do in the heavens must be rooted in the service of the Earth below. Space exploration is not an escape from our world, but a means to improve it.

Thus, the lesson is clear. To venture into space is to do so not for the thrill of the ride, but for the betterment of all humankind. Each discovery, each mission, must be driven by a purpose greater than the exploration itself. It must be a service, a gift to those whose lives are touched by the technology, knowledge, and understanding that we bring back from the stars. As we stand on the precipice of further space exploration, we must carry this truth with us: that the journey is not just about the destinations we reach, but about the lives we touch along the way.

Let us, therefore, live with a sense of purpose in all that we do. Whether our endeavors are in the heavens or on Earth, let us seek to contribute to the world in a way that leaves it better than we found it. In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: how can we use our talents, our knowledge, our resources, not just for personal gain, but for the greater good? The path that John Glenn paved is one of vision and service, and it is a path we must all strive to walk, for in doing so, we not only advance as individuals but as a species destined to reach ever higher, with both feet firmly planted on the Earth below.