[Stephi Rae]

They mean exactly that: spirit and opportunity. Not only the reminder of what was once the spirit of the world as they were captured by Sputnik or the lunar landing, but also the opportunity to do greater things like landing men on Mars and developing an even greater understanding of our universe and what it beholds. The opportunity for a return to that spirit of exactly what Joe Matt just expained: students excited and driven by real, productive things (like scientists and somewhat more intelligent shows like Bill Nye and Carmen San Diego) and not a phony TV star (Hannah Montana).