An interesting observation from Slashdot: With the launch of one astronaut and two cosmonauts to be the first crew on the new Space Station, it's entirely possible that yesterday was the last time that every member of the human race will be on Planet Earth.

Current schedules plan for continuous occupation of the space station for the next 10 years, and by that time, it's entirely possible, even probable, that the space station will continue to be used, or something will take its place. Eventually there will be manned missions to Mars and other destinations (Moon base in 50 years?).

Anyhow, though space exploration has slowed dramatically since the 60's, today it is steady, with regular, small steps forward (think the turtle, not the hare). In short, there may never again be another day without someone in space.

Centuries from now, when colonies exist on other planets, in space, or even other systems, mankind may mark yesterday, October 31st, 2000, as the day mankind truly left the cradle for good.

Spooky, but cool.