This upcoming Wednesday, the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) will turn 50. Having been around for 50 years, this is a cause to celebrate. NASA has accomplished a lot in its relatively short lifespan, including sending men to the moon, sending probes outside of the solar system, visiting several planets, discovered signs of water on Mars, and given us many new products, including Teflon. It has fueled incredible growth in the American economy and science in general. So why does it seem to be in such a dismal state?
NASA’s funding has fallen from a high of 4% of the national budget to about 0.5%. As a result, it is often forced to choose missions very carefully, and the slightest of overruns can become incredibly damaging. Add to the fact that the Space Shuttle program has been a disappointment in terms of cost, and the fact that the general public doesn’t see much use in NASA nor in missions that could get people killed, there is little wonder that NASA is in danger.
But NASA is vitally important. It serves as the best outlet for science in a practical sense. Its attention to detail is second to none in any agency, and its political neutrality is something to be envied. The services it provides, especially its monitoring of global conditions, is absolutely critical to the United States. Its missions towards other planets will provide the technology of the future. Funding into NASA will fuel future economic growth.
So NASA is still necessary, because it isn’t done providing the best of the technological and economical future. New inventions and technologies, jobs and services are yet to come. Congratulatiosn to NASA on 50 years, and here’s hoping the next 50 are just as good.
