Why People Join SEDS
During the 20th century, science-based high technology has infused itself into
virtually every facet of human activity. Today, we take for granted
conveniences and capabilities that, just fifty years ago, could only be
projected in futuristic fantasies, if at all. Numerous devices commonly found
in homes today were absolutely infeasible -- at any cost -- a mere half centruy
ago. Modern medicine and health rely on capabilities barely conceivable half a
century ago. Modern communication -- and the sense of intimate global village
that results from the living immediacy with which the world's events are
brought to us, whether by television or telephone -- is already at a level
exceeding the comic-book fiction of fifty years ago.
Today typical college student has a life expectancy of 50-60 additional
years. I anticipate that the advances to come during that time will equal or
exceed the advances we have seen during the past half century. High technology,
based on profound science, promises continuing extraordinary developments in
the next decades.
Among student organizations, SEDS stands out in the degree to which it
is geared toward providing participatory, hands-on involvement in advancing
technology. Although the prime orientation of SEDS is toward space science and
technology, the SEDS program also has a heavy emphasis on information
technology, with unusually valuable opportunities for students to gain
experience and priceless practical knowledge. This, combined with the emphasis
on design and implementation of hardwarre (and software) for rocket flight, and
for rocket-borne measurements and telemetry, provides valuable opportunities
for students to augment the classroom experiences of college life in ways that
will return life-long value and reward.
By Dr. Eugene Levy SEDS Advisor
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