Too Long; Didn't Read
Monica Hernandez: Space research, travel, and exploration are essential for the survival of our civilization. To become a truly multi-planet species, it’s essential to transcend beyond Earth. To transcend is to go beyond the self. It means contributing to something greater for the livelihood of future generations with the knowledge that results will be probably reaped by others. It involves playing the long game. It requires being ready to work at historical junctures where the technologies, materials, and workforce needed are probably not ready yet. The farther away, the longer it takes.