I am heart broken that the retiring Space Shuttles are flying away elsewhere. I am an admitted space junkie.

Due to my age, I still hold “the last frontier” in complete awe. Astronauts were the heroes of my generation. I remember watching the landing on the moon as a child – even to the pajamas I had on and supposedly sleeping in my sleeping bag on the floor in front of the black and white TV.

It was the most exciting thing I had ever seen! I can still feel the thrill of it as I write this. Since that moment, I have followed the space program and as I became active in Public Affairs – campaigns, politics and governmental relations – I have advocated for the continuation of space exploration.

One of the greatest joys in my professional political career was working on the John Glenn campaign for President. He was an astronaut – a genuine hero – in my book. I was able to meet him and his wife and work with them. More importantly, many of the astronauts that I considered legendary were involved with the campaign and I worked closely with them as well.

My family teased me that I never got excited about meeting the famous politicians I knew but that I was just downright giddy about “those astronauts” ….. and it was true. Movie and sports stars, Presidents and Senators held little sway over me, but I was “star struck” by those who had traveled among the stars.

For a few years, I was privileged to teach a course at UH on Science and Technology Public Policy. The space program was a significant part of the course.

As my son came along, I have made trips to Space Center Houston and shared my love for the space program with him. He had a complete shuttle toy kit that he played with for a long time.

Now, I think it may all be in danger. Will Houston remain a vital part of the space program in the future?

It is hurtful politics that took the shuttles away. We must now hope that the brilliant rocket scientists at Johnson Space Center will create the next great mode of space travel so that we continue leading innovation.

There is no doubt that we have secured our place in history as a critical part of space exploration. Let’s hope we don’t deteriorate into a half-way museum with a replica of Mission Control.