tk421;700342 wrote:We always hear about how the U.S. is falling way behind in science and math yet people want to get rid of NASA. Their budget is $18B, not even 1% of the total budget yet some think they don't offer anything for that price. How are we going to make a big deal about falling behind India and China in math and science, yet at the same time get rid of our one big math and science agency? Doesn't make sense to me.
I understand your feelings but considering our nation's financial condition even NASA is subject to scrutiny.
I'm of the opinion that it's time to allow the private sector to take over the space program particularly when it comes to launching beneficial satellites like communications and weather spacecraft. If there's a need and money can be made in doing it, then the private sector can do it and probably do it far more efficiently.
Manned space travel you may ask? When I was a kid I was intrigued with NASA's moon flights. But since becoming an adult and with an understanding of our current economics, I cannot see any reason for it with the exception of missions to repair orbiting satellites...and that, too, can be privatized.
I'm all for allowing the Russians, Europeans, and Chinese take the reigns on manned space "adventures." I could care less if the Chinese end up putting humans on Mars first.
America paved the way. Now it's time to let other nations burn resources on it.