Shows the close ties between the military and scientific advancement, especially to astrophysics. The human drive to defend and conquer lead to ever greater desires for power and knowledge, so the money and support pours into science to help advance the militaristic goals of a country, nation, etc.

I should have realized it before, but I learned about how important lens technology is to astrophysics. It makes so much sense, since how else can we observe space while grounded on Earth and limited in our traveling distance beyond our planet.

Listened to this while stapling up screening in the basement.