The smell of a laundry room takes me on a unique trip down memory lane. Most people associate it with fresh clothes, but for me, it's all about high school and Dungeons & Dragons.

Back in the day, my friends and I would gather in a buddy's basement for our D&D sessions. Conveniently, that basement also housed the laundry room. As we embarked on our adventures, plotting strategies, and rolling dice, the subtle scent of detergent wafted around us.

It might sound odd, but the smell became part of our gaming experience. Whenever I catch a whiff of fresh laundry now, I can't help but think of those fun-filled weekends, battling imaginary foes and having a great time with friends. Good times, simple memories.

Upon discovering an audiobook of "Space Prison" by Tom Godwin on YouTube, I was plunged into a world that seemed to mirror many of the doubts and fears I've grappled with in my own life. The tale is more than just a narrative of survival against the odds; it speaks profoundly of the human spirit's struggle with the torment of unrealized dreams and the reconciliation of one's purpose beyond the confines of a lifetime.

Throughout the story, the characters on Ragnarok face decisions that push them to the brink of despair. Their initial hopes of survival and revenge against their Gern captors are consistently dashed by the harsh reality of their environment and circumstances. As they navigate deadly fauna, a merciless climate, and a relentless disease, they grapple with a painful truth: many of their dreams and aspirations will remain unfulfilled within their lifetimes.

Yet, it's this very realization that propels them forward with even greater purpose. Understanding that they may never see the fruits of their labor, they dedicate themselves to ensuring that their descendants have the knowledge, tools, and resolve to achieve what the previous generation couldn't. It's a testament to the selfless nature of the human spirit, willing to sacrifice personal desires for the betterment of those who come after.

This resonates deeply with me, especially when paralleled with Tom Godwin's own life. Despite his tragic end, lying alone in a Nevada hospital after a life filed with grief and alcoholism, his literary legacy has lived on, inspiring countless readers, including myself. His story serves as a stark reminder that while our time might be limited, the impact of our deeds can reverberate through the ages.

In my own introspection, I've often been haunted by the fear of ending up like Godwin, isolated and seemingly defeated by life. But his enduring influence highlights a crucial lesson: it's not about the duration of our existence but the depth of our impact. I've come to understand that it's not solely about personal accomplishments but more about what we leave behind for others.

As I navigate my own life's challenges, "Space Prison" serves as a beacon. It reminds me that while I might grapple with doubts and fears, it's essential to shift focus from personal apprehensions to the broader picture of laying foundations for future generations. Just as the characters in the story realized their purpose extended beyond their lifetimes, I too must come to terms with my role in this vast tapestry of existence, prioritizing legacy over fleeting aspirations.

Spetember 20, 2023.

The Artemis II crew heads onto the mobile launcher and proceeds to the crew access arm, which will be used to board Orion on launch day.

While the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft are not at the pad today, the test helps prepare the team for all the operations needed for launch.

Wonder.

Wonder...

For as long as we've looked up at the night sky, that is what we felt.

We named the planets that hang among the stars after our gods. And gave them the same power to control our fate.

With the support of the space-going nations of the IMSF, the Mars Mission Corporation has overcome the most daunting engineering challenges our species has ever faced.

This allows the brave pioneers standing before you today to bring humanity into a new era. We will no longer stare and wonder at those planets we named for our gods. But take our place among them.

- Quote from S1E1 titled "Novo Mundo" in the TV series Mars (2016).