ROCKET MEN, REVEALED

(This article appeared in the Jul 3, 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal)

When Men Walked the Moon

The ‘Rocket Men’ author on lunar landings, CIA files and the future of space travel

By JEFFREY A. TRACHTENBERG
It’s been almost 40 years since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. In his new book, “Rocket Men,” author Craig Nelson uses declassified Central Intelligence Agency files and extensive interviews to recreate the fierce commitment, apprehension and eventual exultation that characterized the space race during the Cold War. Even as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration today charts a modest course, “Rocket Men” celebrates a bold era when voyaging beyond Earth was deemed crucial to national security and pride. The 40th anniversary of the first moonwalk is also being celebrated by such new titles as Mr. Aldrin’s memoir “Magnificent Desolation” and Andrew Chaikin’s “Voices from the Moon.”
The Wall Street Journal: What did you learn from the CIA files?
Mr. Nelson: There’s a very interesting history to be written about the relationship between the CIA, NASA and the Pentagon during the Cold War. They were the world’s most dysfunctional family. The basic story was that someone at NASA released what someone at the Air Force considered sensitive information. The Air Force told the Pentagon that the people at NASA were blabbermouths. After that NASA felt they were being deprived of sensitive information. But it turned out that the CIA didn’t have anything. They would produce reports for the president and secretary of defense saying what they expected the Russians to do, such as maybe they’ll try to land on the moon, or proclaim military dominance in space. The material is pretty embarrassing, frankly.
What tangible benefits did the U.S. get from going to the moon?
It was a major economic stimulus for the aerospace industry, which was faltering. It brought technology to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. It created about 400,000 jobs. It was a global triumph in terms of public relations. And all the technologies used to go to the moon can be used militarily. By showing off our prowess in space, it said to the Russians, you better not attack us.
What did your research suggest to you about the dangers involved in the Apollo program?
Every moment was dangerous. You are using enormous explosives as a method of transportation. Then once you get past the atmosphere you are in a hostile environment of meteorites, radiation and solar flares. The fact that hundreds haven’t died is amazing.
What effect did the space race have on the private lives of the men who landed on the moon?
It’s sad. Neil Armstrong says he is happy about how his life turned out. But he never piloted anything professionally again. He was only 40 when he landed on the moon, not 70. Buzz Aldrin had a mental breakdown and became an alcoholic. He’s a celebrity in England, and he’s got many entrepreneurial projects going on. But other things didn’t really work. He is, however, one of the bravest of all astronauts for admitting he had mental-health problems.
Going to the moon was such a massive national effort. Can you envision what might lead to a similar push today?
Competition with China or India. If they landed on the moon, planted their flag and removed the American flag, people would get riled up. Think how symbolic that would be.
Why has the public seemingly lost interest in space exploration?
It’s two things back to back. NASA isn’t doing a good job of explaining what it’s discovered in a way that laymen can understand. And the public isn’t interested in the U.S. being No. 1 in science and technology any more. It’s bad for us. Research and development might not seem important, but it produces great things such as GPS and the Internet.