Is there a reason for us to have space programs?

Question

Why do we need to research space? Exploration? Manifest Destiny? Scientific discovery? Shouldn't the resources devoted to space be used toward other more practical uses? What do you think?

Answer 1

There are many reasons to have a space program. How do you define more practical uses of resources? Do you think that mony is wasted with the space program?

NASA's budget (16.8 billion) is small compared to other parts of the Federal Budget. While it is not a money making operation, it is not like we are stuffing all of the money in a rocket and launching into space. The money is used and results are gained from it.

How many people in this country (not to mention around the world) have jobs because of the space industry? How much of NASA's budget comes from the tax revenue collected from these jobs and corporate revenues of NASA contractors? If you eliminate the space program, how are you going to replace the hundreds of thousands of jobs that are tied to the industry?

One of the biggest image problems that NASA has is the inability to clearly state the many and invaluable contributions to the world that come either directly from NASA or are developed from NASA research, engineers and technology.

In addition to providing many high level career opportunities, generating tourism dollars for local communities with NASA facilities, many of the things that we use in everyday life were developed directly for a NASA mission.

Portable and cordless drills and other tools were created and used for the Apollo Mission. Mylar which is used in insulating blankets was also developed by NASA.

A new kind of rescue tool - Life Shears - is being used by EMS and fire departments for getting people out of wrecked vehicles was developed initially for the Space Shuttle program.

The idea of grooved highways for better traction in wet weather was used by NASA in runways,

The switches that activate air bags in cars were developed by NASA engineers.

Weather Satellites are an essential technology with the threat of hurricanes.

NASA holds thousands of patents and as a federal institution anyone can license and develop products based on these technologies. Hundreds of companies have done so, creating thousands of jobs.

NASA imagery are used by many companies to develop and sell, books, calendars t-shirts, providing additional jobs and tax collections

For some more information:

http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/technol...

Answer 2

The only wise use of resources is that which returns more benefit than cost. Benefit can be tangible or intangible, immediate or eventual, sudden or cumulative. And so can cost.

The most ridiculous use of resources is feeding hungry people who never do anything to make themselves less dependent on charity. Indeed, feeding the world's hungry does nothing more than worsen the problem, as they have children who will also need feeding. And then the children will have children, etc., and it'll be like The Trouble With Tribbles, if you keep feeding them. Really, feeding the hungry to "end hunger" is like throwing gasoline on a fire in an attempt to put it out. It doesn't work -- so STOP doing it!

Space colonization, on the other hand, if it can be done at all, is certain to pay off. It is, for one thing, an insurance policy for civilization. If as asteroid hits Earth, or if fossil fuels are depleted so badly that there's a die-off of most life on Earth, the space colonies can act as a source of culture, tucked into a safe place, from which civilization might be reseeded on Earth someday. The knowledge that might be lost on Earth would be preserved in the colonies.

The "spin-offs" (like teflon) that you hear so much about are important returns on the investment in spaceflight. But they are nothing compared with the benefit of securing human knowledge and culture from destruction in a terrestrial catastrophe.

Answer 3

So... in effect, you just want to stay comfortable where we are, until we die.

The space program is responsible for great leaps in technology and discovery. Without the space program, you limit advancement to what companies would do on their own - and they are only worried about the bottom line. No company is going to invest in a scheme that may not see a profit for 10, 20 or 30 years. Maybe never.

The space program is necessary to maintain the technological edge; it keeps us conquering problems and obstacles standing in the way of achievement, which may lead to that more comfortable, more practical way of living you think is so important.

Answer 4

Space exploration has already netted our well being in new materials, possibilities in drugs that cant be made here on Earth, etc! Keep in mind! If a natural catastrophy were to come along which it may well, not to mention the fact that the Earth wont be habitable forever, we need to be able to leave! The more logical approach to keeping the world from starving would be to tax all the filthy rich people! If you taxed everyone who made over 5 mill a year and taxed everyone who had anything over a billion in worth, you could feed the world 5 times over! In my opinion, anyone who didnt like the tax bill could simply choose not to make so much money!

Answer 5

Space programs are to science what car races are to the automotive industry. Mankind stretches its mind further if it has a cool goal to strive for.

I imagine you've of heard all the many things that we use in our daily lives that were first developed for some space program or other, or stuff that was learned way up high that now saves lives, or makes living easier.

Its sure better for everybody than the other projects that usually cause mankind to get really inventive really quick: wars.

Answer 6

I think the resources devoted to professional football, which are MORE than those devoted to space, should be halted before space exploration is cut.

Answer 7

If you confine scientific research to what you think is important at the current time, you will miss a lot of new stuff that could benefit us in ways we could never think of.

Answer 8

Yes, I agree with you. I think more money should go to practical uses, like war, lazy people (welfare), African dictators, campaign contributions, and the like. Well, maybe in some other universe I believe that. I'd smack that doppelganger if I could!

Answer 9

It was once cancelled via the Obama management for the reason that we're trillions of greenbacks in debt and it did not furnish tangible advantages to our country.... I nonetheless want it was once right here regardless that...

Answer 10

Just think of all the things we wouldn't have if it were not for the space program... Think cordless power tools and walkmans for two...