Why do we spend so much money on the Space Shuttle?

Question

Every time I search for reasons we've spent $145 billion on the space shuttle program, I see reasons like fixing the space station, experiments on the effects of weightlessness, etc. Nothing, it seems, of any true weight or substance. Nothing that will change the course of humankind. Can someone provide a good reason for the crazy amount of money we're spending?

Answer 1

I have some sympathy for the view you expressed. However, there is something to be said for the space program.

If you look at the space program in historical perspective, you can see that much of the technology in place today, expecially that associated with miniaturization and communications came directly out of the space program where weight was a constant enemy and communications of all types were at a premium. Then, obviously, there are also the satellites and all of the technology associated with that. How could we have any GPS developments without them, for example?

These type of developments have enhanced the competiveness of the US economy enormously, so there is little question that there is a payout.

Having said that, while we are running a tremendous budget deficit, you can raise the issue of how fast we have to move and whether some things can't be deferred until we are in better shape. There is certainly a need for a level of activity which won't gut the program to the point where we lose the people and expertise they have. But, how much is enough and how much is too much?

I hope the government is thinking in those terms if they are thinking about it at all!

Answer 2

It has a lot to do with the types of metals used to protect the astronauts on take off and reentry. The better quality of metal resists the higher temperatures, but to ensure that they get the best quality metals they have to purchase steel that has a high concentration of carbon, titanium, and other high priced metals. In other words the metal ain't cheap, then you have to pay the engineers that build the shuttle, then you have to pay the techs that run the computers, then the astronauts for driving and so on. Not to mention the shuttle is the only craft that travels back and forth to space to do the studies and experiments, so do you want the crappy space vehicle that runs out of gas half way to the space station or do you want the BMW that gets there to do studies on plants that can be grown on the space station to study the effects of weightlessness on plants and see if they can be grown in different environments especially to see if they can be grown on different planets. Also to test which plants cure cancer and whether the weightlessness has an effectiveness on the cure. We've over populated this planet why not others?

Answer 3

Are you talking about the shuttle program or space exploration?

I'll presume you are talking about the shuttle program which runs at a HUGE loss and is only being subsidised on patriotic grounds. The cost of retreiving a satellite from space is such that it's actually cheaper to build a new one and launch it with a rocket. Rockets are good as they are economical (actually profit-making) and they give us something useful to do with all those vehicles that were built to deliver nuclear warheads at each other. The shuttle program is being phased out and the US is going back to rockets pending new and better technology.

As for the space program. Most of the technology we use today functions with the aid of satellites so it would be rather hypocritical for somebody to critisize it, especially in this medium. Beyond that- as our planets population expands we are going to need more resources and innevitably places to support it. Without eventual exploitation of other stellar bodies we are pretty much toast.

Answer 4

If they don't spend money on space programs, I don't think we'll find out more about space.

It's like spending money to look for a cure for something. You won't find a cure unless you put money into it.

I agree that this money could be used a little more wisely though.

Answer 5

Because government bureaucrats, both elected and non-elected believe they are wiser than you and know better than you on how your taxed earnings should be spent. This includes, but is not limited to NASA.

Answer 6

It is the first step into space.
And don't worry the shuttle is soon to be replaced, by something bigger and more expensive...............lol
Oh, and it is a British engine design!

Answer 7

Wish i knew and always wondered that myself..Happy Hollidays

Answer 8

its a step toward learning more about the universe that God made.& probablly new advanced technologies.