Why do we need a space program?

[Arkiehawg]

At some point, we are going to run out of room.

Philosophically, what is the purpose of man if we cease to explore and learn?

I am a strong advocate of a space exploration program. For the past 50 years we have learned a tremendous amount through space exploration that has helped us in medicine, communications, geology, physics, etc. In Florida, it has provided a positive economic impact through tourism and jobs. 30a is correct that exploration is necessary for the future of mankind not only in expansion of our civilization but also for necessary resources to support civilization.

Now stating all that, perhaps it is time to work effectively at privatizing the space program. All of these items are NOT dependent on extensive government control. In the 1960's it was necessary for the government involvement, but times and capabilities have changed.

IMO, I believe that 20-25 years from now space exploration will primarily be privatized with governments contracting for services.

 

[LuciferSam]

here's the rub, though.

I have seen elected officials nix funding for exploration of science that could arguably yield more tangible benefits and a monetary return on the investment.

This is a little bit of a tangent but...
I believe that space exploration- just like the military and war- have become ubiquitous with American patriotism. And that a handful of companies profit from it while Americans struggle but pound their chests every time the shuttle takes off or a fighter jet flies by.

If we are all in for learning and exploration then let's be all in.

EDIT: Sam, switched to my pc. Nice avatar.

Thanks. It [the space program] wasn't always like that. Maybe it's because I was just a child, but the 60s were a time of wonder when it came to things like the space program and anything having to do with science and technology. The space shuttle is just plain boring compared to the Apollo program. I don't remember the last time I knew or cared when a shuttle was launching.

 

[skinnergy]

I am a space exploration advocate, but it is a huge waste of the NASA budget to send human beings to do the jobs that can be done remotely with robotics, etc. The cost of life support systems run the price way up unnecessarily. We get more for our dollar by sending rovers. Fortunately, Obama has scrapped Bush's plan to put man back on the moon again.

 

[30ashopper]

here's the rub, though.

I have seen elected officials nix funding for exploration of science that could arguably yield more tangible benefits and a monetary return on the investment.

This is a little bit of a tangent but...
I believe that space exploration- just like the military and war- have become ubiquitous with American patriotism. And that a handful of companies profit from it while Americans struggle but pound their chests every time the shuttle takes off or a fighter jet flies by.

If we are all in for learning and exploration then let's be all in.

EDIT: Sam, switched to my pc. Nice avatar.

I agree with you on the military budget, which is just completely out of control right now. I don't understand why more attention isn't being given to waste at the pentagon.

As for NASA, you could fund them for 45 years at current levels with the money Obama spent in two years trying to save or create 2 million jobs. I'm sure there is waste there, and yes a lot of private businesses generate revenue from their research, but that money largely goes to employing american workers and bettering our understanding of the world around us.

In fact, one of the neat things about NASA and military spending is that a majority of it ends up being spent right here in the good ol' US of A.

Which isn't to say the military budget shouldn't be audited and cut. It's a huge percentage of our annual budget and could stand a serious once or twice over for pointless spending. For example, I've always been frustrated with lackluster work that goes on in the private sector the pentagon ultimately ends up footing the bill to fix! The money spent is also highly political, with congressmen of all stripes vying to keep projects going only because it brings jobs to their area of the country and insures they get re-elected! It's a mess up there in Washington, that's for sure.

 

[30ashopper]

I am a space exploration advocate, but it is a huge waste of the NASA budget to send human beings to do the jobs that can be done remotely with robotics, etc. The cost of life support systems run the price way up unnecessarily. We get more for our dollar by sending rovers. Fortunately, Obama has scrapped Bush's plan to put man back on the moon again.

Obama to Propose $6 Billion NASA Budget Increase - ABC News

You're right about that.. instead, he wants to send them to mars. :roll:

I agree with you though, men are expensive, in time we'll have the technology but today robots are cheaper and just as effective explorers.

 

[poppy]

I agree with you on the military budget, which is just completely out of control right now. I don't understand why more attention isn't being given to waste at the pentagon.

As for NASA, you could fund them for 45 years at current levels with the money Obama spent in two years trying to save or create 2 million jobs. I'm sure there is waste there, and yes a lot of private businesses generate revenue from their research, but that money largely goes to employing american workers and bettering our understanding of the world around us.

In fact, one of the neat things about NASA and military spending is that a majority of it ends up being spent right here in the good ol' US of A.

Which isn't to say the military budget shouldn't be audited and cut. It's a huge percentage of our annual budget and could stand a serious once or twice over for pointless spending. For example, I've always been frustrated with lackluster work that goes on in the private sector the pentagon ultimately ends up footing the bill to fix! The money spent is also highly political, with congressmen of all stripes vying to keep projects going only because it brings jobs to their area of the country and insures they get re-elected! It's a mess up there in Washington, that's for sure.

Just to be politically fair, how long could we fund them at current levels with the money spent on Bush's unnecessary war?

 

[Lake View Too]

I would hope that space exploration would be one of the most difficult of human endeavors to be politicized. I'll admit to feeling that our space program is adrift, and I honestly can't see any real gain in going to the moon anytime soon. I think that the international aspect of the space station is really a good thing in terms of showing that differing countries can cooperate on something.

 

[30ashopper]

Just to be politically fair, how long could we fund them at current levels with the money spent on Bush's unnecessary war?

Iraq? Hard to say since the numbers aren't broken down by the two wars. but probably around the same amount, about 50 years.

Note my point was not that we spent too much on stimulus, but that we don't spend a ton on NASA.

 

[Kurt]

If we don't keep up, the Klingons will crush us.

 

[Lake View Too]

If we don't keep up, the Klingons will crush us.

Good point, Bob...er, Kurt. (can't keep these wackos straight...) :shock: