Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still. We have lingered long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are ready at last to set sail for the stars.  – Carl Sagan 

This past week, our Editorial Team put our focus on the Moon and the stars, the planets in the solar system and the human drive to explore the heavens.  We brought you stories about the people who solved some of the biggest problems of how to get people into space, and the ways their work has continued to transform our world.

The concept of space exploration conjures images of complex computer boards, mathematical equations, and the brilliance of scientific minds. Some of our world’s brightest minds undoubtedly played a critical role in reaching the moon 50 years ago, but Armstrong’s famous step would not have been possible without the work of ordinary individuals. The imagination of dreamers, stitches of seamstresses, snack food recipes, and even football games in space suits made the mission a success. Fifty years on, the legacy of the moon landing begs the question: where will the collaboration of innovative minds take us next?

Here’s a quick review of our most popular solutions, in case you missed them! 

• Meet the indispensable female mathematicians that sent us to the moon
• Researchers say they have found a way to make parts of Mars habitable once more
• Creating the Apollo lunar module changed the way we work down on Earth
• Space Week: Celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing
• How a bra-maker wound up designing the Apollo spacesuits

and of course we kicked it all of with a this Optimist View: 

“To Infinity and Beyond” – The Power of Imagination