Oct 15, 2024

Why Rocket Launches Inspire Me and Bring Tears to My Eyes Every Time

We are on the brink of something amazing. We are living in an era where the future is beginning to unfold right before our eyes. From artificial intelligence to space exploration and even age-reversing technologies, we are witnessing advancements that were once only the stuff of dreams. If you truly know me, you understand that my passion for technology and science runs deep—beyond any words I could express.

It can be frustrating at times when I don’t have people around to share these interests with. Often, I find myself adapting to those around me, spending a lot of time alone, which I’ve grown to appreciate. However, whenever the opportunity arises, I seek out friends and events to engage in conversations about the things I cherish. As a fan of sci-fi movies and books, it’s a surreal experience to see the concepts I adore becoming reality.

Since I was a child, I’ve always been curious and wanted to learn new things. I remember watching my friends as they got lost in TV shows, mobile phones, and video games. This made me want those things too, and I think it helped shape who I am today. I liked technology, but I didn’t really dive deep into it until I moved abroad. Once I got there, I started watching videos and learning about different topics, and as a curious person, I realized that once you start exploring, you just want to keep going.

At first, I was into software, but then I discovered Elon Musk and his ideas for the future. I became fascinated by the amazing work he and others are doing in space travel. This made me want to learn more about how rockets launch and the engineering behind them. I may not understand everything yet, but each day I learn something new, and that’s helping me become the person I want to be.

Today, let’s focus on rockets and the marvels of space exploration. Every time I watch the Falcon 9’s first stage land, or the moment when SpaceX successfully managed to land two boosters simultaneously, I am filled with emotion and awe. Just recently, on October 13, the Super Heavy booster was caught by the Megazilla arms—a monumental achievement for the Starship project. The Super Heavy rocket is one of the tallest and largest ever built, standing at a staggering 120 meters (394 feet) when fully stacked with the Starship.

What’s fascinating about the Super Heavy and Starship system is its reusability. Traditional rockets are often discarded after a single flight, but SpaceX has pioneered the concept of reusability, significantly reducing costs and paving the way for sustainable space travel. By catching the booster with the Megazilla arms, SpaceX is not just landing; it’s redefining how we think about rocket recovery and refurbishment. This leap forward in technology allows us to dream of the day when space travel becomes as routine as boarding a plane.

In the past, we would simply launch rockets and hope for the best, but now we’re catching them mid-air! How far we have come from the Stone Age! We can now dream of going to the Moon, living there, and eventually setting foot on Mars and other celestial bodies. We are at the dawn of a new space era. In a hundred years, I believe we will see people living on Mars and traveling to other planets. The possibilities for the future are endless and filled with opportunities.

When I consider the technical details behind these launches, I find myself in awe of the precision and innovation required. The Falcon 9’s first stage is powered by nine Merlin engines that produce over 1.7 million pounds of thrust at liftoff. The meticulous engineering that goes into each launch is a testament to human ingenuity. Engineers and scientists work tirelessly to ensure every launch is a success, studying variables such as aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and environmental factors. Watching rocket launches and witnessing these remarkable feats inspires me. It rekindles my hope for a future where humanity can expand beyond our home planet.

What excites and inspires me most about these advancements is the sheer pride I feel when we accomplish feats that were once only imaginable in sci-fi books or films. The future is exhilarating, and while we may not be around to witness everything, this generation is laying the groundwork for those to come. You might wonder, “What do we gain from all this? Aren’t we going to die anyway? What’s the point?” It’s easy to be skeptical, but deep down, we all crave a better future—one where we can thrive in an environment that harmonizes innovation with the natural beauty of our world. After all, without a balance between technological progress and nature, we could face an apocalyptic future.

Organizations and governments are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone can benefit from these advancements. Each person and organization follows a different path, but when combined, they can yield remarkable results. Reflecting on our journey from the Stone Age to the modern era, it’s clear that if we don’t strive to improve, life would be devoid of meaning. As humans, we are inherently driven to expand our horizons. While we may have our differences—conflicts born from nationality, race, or religion—what unites us is our love for humanity. We love our friends, our families, and even strangers, for we recognize that we are all interconnected.

We are fascinating creatures, finding joy in the smallest of things. Even amidst frustration, we appreciate the Earth and its wonders. For those who are less fortunate, life may seem unfair, but we must hold onto hope for a future where everyone has access to basic needs. Nothing comes for free, and as long as we have bodies and minds that work, we must strive to put in the effort. Working smart can lead to the best outcomes, but achieving something worthwhile requires hard work and determination.

Live the life you envision, embrace the laws of physics, and think from first principles. Perhaps we are dreaming or existing in a simulation, but we always aspire for better—for ourselves, for our children, and for all of humanity. In the past, death seemed inevitable, but now we’re starting to believe that maybe it’s not. There are countless mysteries to unravel, and space exploration is key to our understanding.

Whenever I watch rocket launches and witness the remarkable achievements we reach, I am inspired to embrace life fully. I believe we all have a reason to wake up each day and dream of living among the stars. Though we have a long way to go, I am confident that one day, we will make that dream a reality.