Five hundred years ago, the leading European power engaged in global exploration was Portugal. The Portuguese developed much of the technology and infrastructure needed for oceanic navigation, and they blazed the trail around Africa to India and beyond. The motivation was trade; spices, slaves and markets. After Columbus, the leadership passed to Spain, and the Portuguese ascendancey faded. Except for Brazil, they never made a major impact in the New World. Portuguese world leadership faded and Spain beame the leading world power for the next century and a half.

Whether this was the cause or the result of Portugal's decline is a matter of debate, but it is something to think about. America will always be remembered for Apollo, although I personally believe our finest hour was the robotic exploration of the solar system. But are we destined to become the Portugal of the 22nd century?