Recently, A.E. Williams was invited to submit an essay on the importance of manned space flight by the Speculative Fiction Showcase Blog.
You can view it here.
Mr. Williams has worked on some of the premier aerospace technology ever developed during his long career. If you are interested in a bit of perspective and history, reasoned thought about space programs, and a tribute to those brave men and women who have given their lives in the pursuit of the Greatest Adventure, then hop on over and enjoy the read.