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Forty years ago this month the Soviets shot out of the gate in what became the space race. The launch of the Sputnik I satellite sparked a 20th century manifest destiny into the final frontier. But what began as competition evolved into collaboration. Missions are now lauded for their scientific, not patriotic, value. And the public involvement is no longer confined to launches and landings but the everyday triumphs and troubles of the space program. Both NASA and its European counterpart, ESA, have Web sites where viewers can virtually get lost in space.
NASA has created a site that can easily overwhelm visitors with its possibilities (www.nasa.gov). Its vastness can be overcome...