Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
I'm not saying it should be cut, but just that it should be considered when times are tough. If research has to be cut somewhere, I'd rather see it cut from the space program, than other areas like medical, agricultural, environmental and other things that directly benefit the citizens of this planet now and not just some future theoretical payoff. Put the money towards saving endangered species and habitats on this planet instead of looking at rocks on another. If it came down to one or the other, I take this planet over another (and when times are tough, environmental programs are usually one of the first things to be cut. NASA should be fair game then too).
As someone else mentioned, space programs are more status symbols than a necessity. Like any research sector, of course there will be spinoffs that might be useful to ordinary people one day, but more than from other areas that get cut all the time without so much as a wimper? I haven't seen any information that suggests that.
Edit: Sorry, I will not rain on the parade any more. I want to see the pictures as much as anyone.
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NASA and the research they do has a huge benefit to society.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_spin-off_technologies
There's a good list there that includes;
- LEDs
- Infrared thermometers
- Artificial limbs
- Aircraft anti-icing systems
- Improved radial tires
- Fire resistant reinforcement
- Improved firefighting equipment
- Tempered foam
- Baby food
- Cordless vacuums
- Water purification
- Solar energy harnessing
NASA is important to all things besides space. Even contributing to the advacements of the MRI, which is hugely important. The last thing the US needs is more budget cuts to NASA while the DoD keeps getting a raise. Their biggest threat, in my opinion, is suffering from a regression in science and tech research as well as education rather than military attacks.