In the wake of today’s first commercially funded rocket launch in Cape Canaveral, the future of human space travel is inching ever-so tantalizingly close to becoming as casual as a drive to Starbucks. Decades after Man first left footprints on the face of our lone, beloved satellite (aka the Moon), our destiny among the stars feels more visceral than ever as our technology finally begins to match our imaginations (although, those darn jetpacks still seem to allude us). However, space-hungry American corporations are not the only ones lured by the infinite mysteries of the universe beyond (thank goodness). Our brethren in the Far East are also imagining a life outside of our atmosphere. Join author James Fallows as he discusses China’s ambitious aeronautical plans with his new book, China Airborne, at the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main branch tomorrow evening, Wednesday, May 23rd, at 7pm.
A former speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter, James Fallows now claims his own voice as a journalist and contributing writer for publications such as The Atlantic, Slate and The New Yorker. The author of five additional books exploring world politics and media, including Breaking the News: How the Media Undermine American Democracy and Postcards from Tomorrow Square: Reports from China, Fallows’ latest release, China Airborne, documents for the first time China’s new and extraordinary aerospace plan. Following the country’s five-year arrangement to spend a quarter of a trillion dollars on the fledgling space program, Fallows explains how China’s ambitions to further modernization and innovation will affect the nation – and the world.
Join Fallows as he presents China Airborne and discusses this crucial point in modern industry. The Louisville Free Public Library will host the journalist tomorrow evening for a free lecture at the Main branch downtown. Look towards the heavens, make a wish and link up with Fallows under the same stars that tempt the aspirations of our fellows around the globe.
The Louisville Free Public Library’s Main branch is located at 301 York Street. This event is free but reservations are required; call (502) 574-1644 to reserve your spot.
Image: Courtesy of Louisville Free Public Library website www.lfpl.org