Speed Matters

Last Sunday, the Stardust spacecraft returned from its mission to collect dust particles from a comet. After the fastest return ever of a man-made probe, 29,000 mph, it successfully landed and was recovered, revealing even more cosmic dust than was hoped for.

Thursday, the New Horizons spacecraft took off for Pluto and regions beyond. It was accelerated to 36,000 mph, the fastest ever launch, and is expected to reach 47,000 mph during its journey as it picks up a boost from Jupiter. Eventually, it will get a close-up look at regions of our solar system we have only the dimmest images of.

Here's the lesson: Don't be shy. Get out there are give it all you've got. The harder you go, the bigger the rewards. And, it's damn impressive, too!