Pursue a dream job, or just a job?

Dear Bob,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

I have been a productive programmer for several large companies. I like programming and I'm good at it. Recently, while recuperating from surgery, I watched the proceedings of the Mars Rovers and their control teams. I got the idea that it would be a perfect job for me, being a programmer at the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Johnson Space Center, working at/with NASA, with all the engineers and scientists, techie heaven!

Only thing is, I'm 59, good brain, rusty body. I live in a location where demand for programmers is limited, too (and nobody here has any NASA contracts). I have submitted my resume to several companies and, by the looks of their web pages, they have a few positions open, but I have only received automated responses. Of course they say no age discrimination but in practice that would be hard to prove. I also do not have a formal degree -- way back when I started a programmer did not require a degree and so I trained myself.

I see two paths: 1) pursue an 'entry-level' programming position.