View From Above: Why We Need Milestones

Friday, August 27, 2021 at 07:31 PM ET

Verified

A copy of the check awarding a cool $25,000 to Charles Lindbergh from Raymond Orteig after the pilot’s famous crossing. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Key Takeaways:

The current "rich folks" space race, exemplified by Wally Funk's flight with Jeff Bezos, mirrors a long history of wealthy individuals and prizes driving aviation firsts like Lindbergh's transatlantic flight.
The article distinguishes between dangerous publicity stunts and genuine, inspiring achievements, highlighting 19-year-old Zara Rutherford's solo round-the-world flight as a positive example promoting STEM for young women.
Ultimately, significant milestones in aviation and space, whether by lifelong dreamers or young pioneers, serve to inspire individual and collective aspirations.