What To Expect When a Spaceship Goes Into Retirement
On wrong assumptions about the distance between people and the exploration of Mars.
There’s nothing romantic about the retirement of spaceships.
At the end of their working years, these majestic creatures turn into collectibles.
They land a spot in a museum or in a research facility. Worst case scenario: they get auctioned.
The empty body that touched stars and breathed nitrogen turns into a home decoration for billionaires. The ones that aren’t rich enough to build their own capsule to launch to space.
On retired spaceships, people may sit for a while. They may imagine being far away from their daily problems. Are there now two or three degrees of separation between them and Neil Armstrong?
From a retired spaceship, fake Earth looks like a pocket toy. Everything is under control. It’s a beautiful delusion.
The Retired Spaceship
“Are you sure I can come?”, I text Zaira. I’m already packing. As if “yes” is the only available answer.
“Thomas is okay with it”, Zaira replies. “The place will be empty”, she continues.
