Era of Hope Discussion

Instructions: 

Read the following Discussion question carefully, then submit an original answer.  Your answer should be at least a few sentences to a paragraph in length.  There is no "right" or "wrong" answer, but your opinion should be well-reasoned and based on fact.  (no references needed) this is just an opinion..

During the 1960s, the Space Program, and particularly the 1969 Apollo moon landing were viewed as historical milestones of immense proportions.  Subsequent historical accounts often downplay these events, relating their significance chiefly to political events such as the Cold War or the Kennedy administration.  Which approach do you think is more accurate?  Will space exploration ever regain the public attention and interest it held during and immediately following the "Era of Hope?"  Why or why not?