Should America continue spending money on NASA?
Yes Nasa is saving our lives
Nasa is keeping track of asteroids that can destroy in a matter of minutes and also keeps track of all the eaths changes( like climate change.) And yes Nasa does screw up sometimes but who doesn't. So i say more money fore Nasa. Only four percent of americas budget went to NASA this year. For goodness sake more money went to buisness managment, student financial assistance, and homeland secuirty alone not together than NASA. Thats a bunch of crap.
Posted by: AnonymousSuper power status and competitive edge.
Why do you think Europe, Russia, China, India, Brazil and others are pouring more into their space programs? Nuclear, military and economical might used to be the hallmark of a super power and still are; however space and technology will be the next big competition. As many have said, any money we spend on NASA has a tenfold return on the investment, not just for space exploration but for the enrichment of our daily lives. Those countries know this and are pushing into space as fast as they can. We won the cold war but now our astronauts sit at a Russian bus stop to go to a space station we mostly funded?
Also, do we want someone with a communist or socialist value system to own the solar system? People talk about getting to other planets before ours dies. What about getting to Mars or the asteroid belt before a belligerent nation with nationalistic intent does?
I think we should increase the scope and budget, but it won’t happen. Sadly, when things work, Washington (and we the public) forget them and take them for granted.Posted by: AnonymousTheres not enough money? I beg to differ.
Http://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=7i2QDpGRQKc People keep complaining that there isn't enough money in our country in order to sustain NASA. In this video, Neil Degrasse Tyson gives a great example of what the U.S budget is and what NASA's budget is. The U.S Spends a little less then 1/2 a penny on the dollar on NASA. In fact NASA should be receiving a bit more money.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA's influence is substantial, other things are not as much. READ THIS
NASA is an organization that delves into science and technology for the well-being of the world. They focus their research on aerospace and the universe, but that is not just it. They do focus their portions on earth studies, as well as technology for the world to use. NASA research has been used to create over 30,000 different applications, such as insulin pumps, fire fighting gear, weather satellites that prevent thousands because of forewarned hurricanes, and laser heart surgery. Right now, NASA receives about 13 billion dollars a year, less than .5% of the entire GDP. On the other hand, Churches are tax exempt, and save an average of 73 billion dollars a year. They could feed all of the homeless people in the entire United States each year, and have another 72 billion left over with that 73 billion. I understand that Church does charity and helps the needy sometimes, but if that's the case, then why isn't the Red Cross, whose basis is entirely devoted to helping people, tax exempt? NASA's developments are technological and scientific, helping the entire community, while Churches help those that only believe in them, and can even spew hate against certain people because they are being themselves. If you dare to bring up the argument of NASA's funds should be used somewhere else, then you are obviously oblivious of all the corruption and money spent and lost due to politicians who look into themselves as opposed to their people. Have you ever heard of corruption in NASA? I don't think so.
Posted by: DSCMost economical government program available
Every penny you spend on NASA brings a return of $5-$10. What other program says that? It GIVES its technology away to any American who wants to use it to start a business and not only that, they offer scientists and engineers and business experts to help you get started and figure out ways to make it work. For FREE. We get more product and technology development out of the research NASA does than from all other government and education entities combined. I should know; I used to produce the documents that its researchers had to publish, by law, to give the information away. The people who work there work for peanuts, compared to the private sector, but they do it because they believe in the cause of expanding our capabilities and making America foremost in research and technology. Nobody sits around eating bonbons and wasting taxpayer money. And yet, every year, NASA has to go to Congress with its hand out, while Congress squeezes the budget tighter and tighter while still expecting the same amount of work. No wonder we have no vision in the program - Congress has become so partisan that if you can't put a piece of the 'pie' in every Congressman's district, he won't let you plan more than a year ahead.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA is very important.
The reason it is is because the sun is an average star so it will act like a normal star. Currently it is in it's midlife stage but eventually it will become a red giant. When it is a red giant it's radius will have extended past earth's orbit and earth will be consumed, but will be uninhabitable long before that. If we don't help NASA then we will be doomed.
Posted by: AnonymousWarp Drive!
Faster than light space travel is mathematically possible! This is no longer just science fiction! Imagine a time were we can travel the stars and colonize other planets; the petty squabbles of humankind will seem trivial! If we do not invest in space exploration it will unquestionably become one of the greatest regrets of our era, a blemish on the history of mankind that will take hundreds of years to recover from.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA is a Beneficiary
Although funding NASA takes a lot of money, they put out even more, which keeps our economy striving. They invented the technology that saves more lives than giving money to the homeless. NASA is responsible for inventing CAT scans, MRI's, the memory foam bed you sleep on, etc. NASA has not failed us at all. Many people only focus on the space exploration part, which would not be a failure if NASA had the money to even carry out their experiments and other research purposes. NASA also creates a huge amount of jobs, new technology, such as the cameras in your Androids and Iphones, and yet people still believe that NASA is a failure. Without NASA, there would be fewer people going to college, fewer people with jobs, fewer technologies being created, a national security system that still would be using out of date weapons, and much more. The things we learn while in space include how to preserve our planet, when will there be a severe weather alert, such as a hurricane, and maybe someday our planet will be way overpopulated and we'll need anther place to live, like Mars. There are more people who die of cancer in the US then there are starving people. There are so many programs for starving/homeless people. They are responsible for there choices if they want to take advantage of these aid programs or not. NASA is what represents this country and if we don't support them, we don't support ourselves. Those who don't want to be American can leave!
Posted by: AnonymousYes
NASA is the "American Pie" for the scientific educational system. As NASA shuts down, so will the dream of becoming an Astronaut. These programs inspire humans from a young age. NASA proves that the impossible is often possible with dedication and efficiency. Ideas can only go as far as we can.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA is the most economically sound government program available.
Every penny you spend on NASA brings a return of $5-$10. What other program says that? It GIVES its technology away to any American who wants to use it to start a business and not only that, they offer scientists and engineers and business experts to help you get started and figure out ways to make it work. For FREE. We get more product and technology development out of the research NASA does than from all other government and education entities combined. I should know; I used to produce the documents that its researchers had to publish, by law, to give the information away. The people who work there work for peanuts, compared to the private sector, but they do it because they believe in the cause of expanding our capabilities and making America foremost in research and technology. Nobody sits around eating bonbons and wasting taxpayer money. And yet, every year, NASA has to go to Congress with its hand out, while Congress squeezes the budget tighter and tighter while still expecting the same amount of work. No wonder we have no vision in the program - Congress has become so partisan that if you can't put a piece of the 'pie' in every Congressman's district, he won't let you plan more than a year ahead.
Posted by: AnonymousYes we do
There is always reasons to go into space one of the reasons is that without NASA we would never know what's beyond all those galaxy's and stars. Another reason why we should continue to pay funds to NASA is because we all want to go to the moon and to mars because we need to know more about space
Posted by: AnonymousNasa research has helped push us ahead on scientific ideas and developments.
We have a President who says we should invest in sciences to help move America forward to win the future, but then under-funds one the best scientific programs that has helped us do that. That makes no sense. Nasa has made major contributions to materials that have made our lives easier; water and air purification, propulsion fuels and Teflon are just a few.
Posted by: ScrawnyNormand46America should continue spending money on NASA, because space exploration has led to many useful discoveries.
Space exploration has led to the discovery of many important things, including many facts about the way that the universe runs. And, many important technological advances have been made through NASA, while conducting space exploration. Getting rid of NASA would mean the end of many useful discoveries and many innovations.
Posted by: 5h4yGustWe should keep spending money.
We should keep spending money on NASA because we need to keep learning what is in our solar system. It will also help us in learning science and maybe one day the world might end and we can make a spacecraft and send everybody into space and keep the human race alive for as long as we can. So that's only some of my reasons we should keep spending money on NASA.
Posted by: AnonymousMoon first priority.
The moon is the closest. There should be rovers roving all over the moon by now. I was born 1958 and watched the first moon landings with amazement, thinking we would have bases on the moon by the year 2000, without doubt. What happened? Looks I may die before seeing that happen. I should be driving a lunar rover from my computer by now. And funny how I can see the red Chevy truck in my father's driveway near Lake Erie from satellite, but can't get a clear view of anything on the moon or Mars. Hmmm. You would think the cameras used for photographing the moon and mars would be at least as clear as the ones orbiting the earth. Makes me wonder about some things.
Posted by: AnonymousW choose to do this because its hard
We should go into space because its hard. Because we don't know what to expect. Because its a great form of opportunity and the survival of the human race depends on it and if we don't get into it early it will be too late. We do it because we choose to do the hard things in life. For the goodness of the world.
Posted by: Brom954Absolutely we should continue to explore space.
The space program has been central to the development of numerous technologies that people simply take for granted today. I can say with almost absolute certainty that every single person who says the space program is not worth pursuing owns at least one product that wouldn't exist if it weren't for the space program. Why would anyone want to limit their potential experience and knowledge? Humans are explorers, it is part of who we are. Either humanity expands to the stars or it stagnates. The space program is ultimately sound, both economically and philosophically.
Posted by: AnonymousYes we should.
America was founded by discovery. We started this country out of curiosity; not by of staying home and wondering. America has bragged about being the best superpower, but we can't just ignore the fact that Russia is far more advanced than us. We need to be out there. NASA doesn't just explore the vast and mysterious expanses of space though; it gives us a better look at ourselves. NASA gives us charts of ocean currents and all the beautiful, awe inspiring pictures that motivate us. Generations of movies are based off the small fact that there may be more out there. People say that NASA puts us in debt, but in reality, buying all of our products from China and Japan has. We owe China $1.16 trillion, NASA only takes a $17.7 billion. That's a fraction of a fraction. NASA has invented many useful thing for our use on Earth; why stop now?
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
1. Space exploration will eventually allow us to establish a human civilization on another world (e.g., Mars) as a hedge against the type of catastrophe that wiped out the dinosaurs. 2. We explore space and create important new technologies to advance our economy. It is true that, for every dollar we spend on the space program, the U.S. Economy receives about $8 of economic benefit. Space exploration can also serve as a stimulus for children to enter the fields of science and engineering. 3. Space exploration in an international context offers a peaceful cooperative venue that is a valuable alternative to nation state hostilities. One can look at the International Space Station and marvel that the former Soviet Union and the U.S. are now active partners. International cooperation is also a way to reduce costs. 4. National prestige requires that the U.S. Continue to be a leader in space, and that includes human exploration. History tells us that great civilizations dare not abandon exploration. 5. Exploration of space will provide humanity with an answer to the most fundamental questions: Are we alone? Are there other forms of life beside those on Earth?
Posted by: AnonymousInnovation creates jobs and NASA fuels innovation...
NASA has taught us that one half of one penny on a tax dollar can take us to moon and other places in space that no one else have seen. Most important thing is NASA provides inspiration to kids to dream about tomorrow today. Even for a common man NASA has done good. Here are som top 10 NASA Inventions You Might Use Every Day
10. Invisible Braces
9. Scratch-resistant Lenses
8. Memory Foam
7. Ear Thermometer
6. Shoe Insoles
5. Long-distance Telecommunications
4. Adjustable Smoke Detector
3. Safety Grooving
2. Cordless Tools
1. Water Filters
We don't want to go back to the caves.Posted by: AnonymousNASA INSPIRES CHILDREN
NASA is the main way that children become interested in space science, but due to recent cuts, the Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Area is having its money cut as well. The money that NASA donates to the Visitor is being lessened because they have less and less amounts of money to give. So let me ask you this, shouldn't our nation's children have the right to learn about astronomy in a fun way, and not just from a textbook?
Posted by: AnonymousYes
If we can't go into space what is the point of calling it the "final frontier" anymore? We might as well call it "the place where we did not first go to, due to JFK and his ambitious plans to get us to the moon and back." If we hadn't gone, we would be siting at the bottom of world power list.
Posted by: AnonymousAre we alone?
Have you ever looked at the sky and wondered; are we the only thing out there? I have, and it makes me want to fly out there right then and there. NASA has given us a way to explore the universe, to bravely go where no man has gone before. The sun will burn out, and we will die if we don't start right now on it we could be to late.
When Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the moon, America was hopeful.(most of America, anyway) Wouldn't we feel that same kind of hope if we found another speices, even a spieces that cant speak?
NASA also isn't just stuck on space. They are exploring more things than space. They helped build the ISS, which by the way, is helping to find cures for cancer, things stronger than steel, and so many other things!
NASA is a crucial piece of America and every one in itPosted by: AnonymousFor the new generation.
We need to start sending more shuttles into space for the new generation. This generation is getting more curious as the years go on. They want to experience the thrill and have the opportunity to be an astronaut like they always wanted to be. Why take that away from them?
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Until the private sector catches up, space travel and research will have to be done by the government. When the private sector does catch up though, then we can scale back a bit
Posted by: imabenchNASA pushes humankind forward.
What has made humans surpass other species in our evolutionary chain? Innovation. Humans used resources around them to find ways to advance our well being and lives. It is who we are. NASA is currently one of the front runners in science and innovation. Should we deny these people the chance to help the world? The technologies which have come out of NASA are most likely taken for granted by most people. The monitor you're reading this text on? Is it an LED? Thank NASA for that. Landmine removal, firefighter equipment, freeze drying, solar energy, water purification, and enriched baby food are just some innovations that NASA contributed in. Additionally, the United States is currently still known for its great advances in science. Recently their image has been dampened by wars and controversial actions. NASA is still a gleaming jewel that people around the world still look up to. Please keep it that way.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, it helps us discover about where we live
If NASA didn't exist we wouldn't know about the moon, or the sun, or our solar systems. These discoveries help us to learn more about where we live. If you moved to a new neighborhood, wouldn't you want to know about YOUR neighbors? Same difference. Only the way NASA is doing it is on a bigger scale#faced.
Posted by: Anonymous1 dollar spent equals about 10 dollars recieved
By putting money into NASA you make a beacon for young minds to become scientists and engineers. They would be able to make the technologies to be used not only for the non space related fields but to explore the solar system. In 1958 the government spent 25 billion dollars to get into space, by the mid 1980's that initial investment became 181 billion in countless patents and spin off technologies and inspired countless people into the aerospace industry. GORGIAS I would like to point out that A. the space shuttle was lifted by the combination of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, to create steam so I doubt NASA is doing nearly the damage you think they cause. B. Terraforming Mars not only is within our technological capabilities but helps us learn how to fix Earth. By putting a colony on Mars, you will inspire so many more kids to do well in school to become scientists and engineers and help this world out as well. In response to a majority of the No people, by going to space and funding NASA we use botanist biologist chemists everywhere in the STEM fields and they help bring technologies and research to END diseases and cancers, they give people a reason to go get a job to try and be a part of the figurative tomorrow. Build NASA up and they will be the savior of our economy
Posted by: Specter-14Space is an unknown land.
The exploration of space is one thing that should not stop. The more we know about other planets the more we will begin to understand ours. If space travel continues, our economy could greatly advance from discoveries in space. If we discover an extraterrestrial civilization, they may be more advanced than our young planet. Our planet could greatly improve from the exploration of space.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy not?
Most people have gazed into the night sky and wondered what else is out there, but how will we ever know the answer to that longing question if we don’t give lucrative resources to a program that could help us to do just that. The government should fund the space program because it is essential for new discoveries, such as the possibilities for lunar colonization, and the chance of finding life outside of solar system.
One day earth will not meet the spacial demands for its inhabitants, so we must look outward into space and find somewhere close to earth for easy transportation of raw materials. The question is what are possible locations? The simple answer is the moon. This idea is not new according to “Colonization of the Moon,” an article on Wikipedia. The idea has been around since 1638. It was formulated by a church bishop by the name of John Wilikns. He wrote a book titled A Discourse Concerning a New World and Another Planet. The dream has been there for a while but not until recently has the technology been available for humans to achieve this goal. As a nation the U.S. first got to the moon in 1969, and continued missions there until 1972. According to the Wikipedia article I previously mentioned, the stated original goal was for the U.S army to have a base on the moon, but the project was quickly abandoned. New hope for living on the moon has been revived since the discovery of water on the moon in 2009.
This raises other questions like: How could humans survive on the moon, and if they could, what would be the power source? Since the moon has no magnetic field, the colonies would need to be underground to protect against harmful solar radiation. As far as the power source is concerned nuclear fission would be a good source of clean and safe power. As you can see the possibilities are endless if we just do something as simple as funding NASA.
Our solar system is not unique. There happens to be countless numbers of other solar systems discovered in and around the Milky Way galaxy. This would lead one to believe there might be life outside our solar system. Science corroborates these claims. As recent as May of 2009 the extra solar planet Keppler 22b was discovered in the habitable zone of its host star. According to the article “Kepler-22b,” an article on Wikipedia, the temperature on the surface would be about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not alone in contention with possible suitors for habitable planets according to the “Habitable Exo Planet Log.” There are ten other planets with the possibility to sustain life. If we have discovered ten already, just imagine the countless other planets we may find that can sustain life, if we simply fund the space program.
The space program has made numerous discoveries that have been key to learning about the universe and many things we take for granted in our day-to-day lives. NASA was the first to photograph Saturn’s rings. Without NASA we would never have had satellites. No satellites means no GPS and no satellite TV! Without NASA there would be no systems for monitoring ‘vitals’ in hospitals. NASA developed the technology in 1959 to keep track of their astronaut’s physiological state in outer space.
Of course their biggest achievement was landing on the moon in1969. If NASA can do all these things in such a short time, imagine what it can do in the next ten to twenty years if funded properly as a U.S agency. When it comes to NASA the possibilities are endless. We simply need to fund the space program. It will help us achieve long term goals like: Colonizing the moon, finding more habitable planets, and making new and useful discoveries.Posted by: AnonymousExpansion
By reading a history book you would see that stability (which the world had for century) collapses civilizations, for example the Romans and the Persians. The Mongolians did so well for so long because they kept EXPANDING. Now that most of the world is explored we will pretty much be stable, which will be the downfall for all civilization. In conclusion, expansion is the key to a thriving civilization and stability is the death. That means give generously.
Posted by: AnonymousWe should spend more
Spending on all science, excluding military research, is just 0.84% of the U.S. Budget, less than 1%. (Sec. 250) Section 252, Space, flight, research, and supporting activities is 0.51%, about $17.9 billion annually out of a $3.51 trillion budget. It's a drop in the bucket compared to spending on the big entitlements of healthcare and retirement which make up over 50% of the U.S. Budget, or military spending which is another 20.44%. We should make cuts from there and spend more on NASA, as its research provides bountiful rewards to our progress, education, and technology.
Posted by: JzyehoshuaOf Course!
NASA used to inspire America in the 70's. It provided many jobs and it continues to provide jobs now. If NASA were to start on its grind like it used to be in the 70's, with the advancements in technology, we would be able to explore further, find more! This could add to chemistry - more jobs in that field. This could add to medicine - more jobs in that field. As we explore the universe, we answer and create more and more questions. More questions lead to more research and this research leads to jobs and a better economy. All it takes is one half of a penny for every person paying taxes.
Posted by: amylieuNasa fuels children's desire
Nasa makes kids dream to go to space. To explore the galaxy, thus flooding our economy with intelligent dreamers who want a better future and have hope for a better and science-oriented tomorrow. We spend way too much of our money dictating what others do with their countries and watch as all the new innovations come from other countries. We can look at things like Google and the Iphone, and know that unless we fund Nasa and innovations, then all those ideas will just die or vanish to some oversea buyer.
Posted by: AnonymousWe can make a lot of money off of technology we build for NASA
Out with the old and in with the new. We can profit off of new discoveries and new technology that NASA comes out with. If the government spends money on NASA, instead of launching a toaster with a laser on Mars, we can launch a better rover, a satellite, maybe even a real person and build a space station. We can inhabit the moon and control the population. 7 billion people is not good for our environment. We can develop space travel and expand our reach to other planets. If a kingdom is strong enough, its not going to stay in one place, its going to go out and conquer so more people can fall under the rule. If we dominate the solar system, We can stretch out our population and keep the human population alive! We could do a Noah's ark and put plant life and animal life on other planets and let evolution take care of the rest! But I digress. We could definitely profit off of NASA and pay off our debt.
Posted by: AnonymousWe can't stop dreaming!
It makes us human to discover new things within this amazing universe. Space is the frontier of our future; without it, we have nothing to dream about and no ambition to move forward. We need to try to understand our wonderful planet that we all share and live in everyday of our lives and space has a lot of those answers.
Posted by: AnonymousExpenditure is relative
In the US military spending outweighs that of NASA by nearly 50 times. Therefore, just a two percent reduction of military spending (which is five times higher than any other country's) would be equivalent to the complete eradication of NASA except that it would rob our society of the aforementioned technological advancements and inspiration NASA brings.
Posted by: User0821Fund NASA to learn more
Reasons:
Explore into space and find more minerals to bring back to America for wealth
Find safer ways for planes to travel
Create spinoffs that we use everyday
Research space to understand it better
Get more technical equipment to help us with difficult projects
Find out what's beyond the galaxy and stars
Find out about the way the universe runs
NASA tells us what coming next by watching space, protecting us.Posted by: AnonymousNASA Effects Us All.
NASA has contributed to all of the technology we use today and has provided inventions taken by other private companies for profit called 'spinoffs'. Among these are cordless power tools, improved water filters, MRI and CAT scanners, satellite system services like GPS and TV and much more. Without NASA around these things may still be only ideas in peoples' minds and surely without the help of most of these items used today we could never hope to help give people in very remote areas adequate housing and a clean water supply. NASA has helped the needy around our whole world and has much too easily been taken for granted. Since 1974 NASA has received less than 1% of the federal budget and has been receiving 0.53% since 2006. This is a major reason why NASA has operated at a slower rate compared to the private sector. NASA is receiving inadequate funds, which are being sent out instead in order for the United States to be a 'global police force'. As for 'defense spending', the US wouldn't need so much of it if the 'global police force' thing didn't happen in the first place. Our very first president, George Washington, even had warned the nation about staying out of other countries' business with his farewell address. Going back to NASA funding, another thing most people are unaware of is that the human race is not going to have planet earth forever. In about 3 billion years our sun will begin losing its mass and expanding outward into a red giant. This will push our planets outward as well. Mercury and venus will move outward, but will still be vaporized by our sun. Earth will be uninhabitable due to the rapid climate changes and then the frying of our planet. No liquid water will exist in the inner solar system. This is only one catastrophe of many that earth faces, but unlike the others, this one is certain. It would be better to look into expanding into the cosmos now then to have future humans rush in their time. I am no parent yet, but as a parent it is well known that normally you would want to make things better off for generations to come. That is exactly what we would all be doing if we continued and perhaps increased funding to NASA's space program. This is my opinion after heavily researching this topic....And if you would like to know, I am 18 years old.
Posted by: AnonymousInternet, satellites, GPS, 24hr worldwide communication, technology green and military
We spent more on the bank bail out than we did in 50yrs on NASA. NASA has provided us with modern computers, cellphones, solar power, and technology that is yet to come. Apple is worth more than what we spent on NASA. It provides jobs, education, and is the key to the human race surviving. Our sun well die one day and the green technology got from space has already save thousands of lives every day. Where would we be without e Internet, 24hrworldwide communication, knowledge of what's happening outside our community.
Posted by: AnonymousImagine no progress, imagine no innovation. NASA invents many things.
NASA doesn't just explore space! They do so much more. In fact, when NASA started they signed a law that stated that "research and advancements should benefit all people." Guess what? It has! Without NASA inventions like Velcro, CT scans, ear thermometers, shoe insoles, memory foam, Safety grooving, water purification and cell phones wouldn't exist. Okay! We don't need CT scans, that' okay. Nobody needed that last year, and most of all we don't use cell phones, we never needed to have them invented. No, you're not running a fever you're just hot. Let's grab the thermometer, oh wait you can't, that's what it would be like if NASA never came about. Not only that, but it is our past, present, and future. I don't know about you, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to continue growing, learning and benefit our lives to the best that we can? Take into consideration not only space travel, but space innovation.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's the future of the world.
Without NASA there is no other organization that really cares about the universe we live in or even bothers to investigate. The ability to know what is out of this planet is extremely important and should never be questioned, we have to start thinking about the next generations instead of the present.
Posted by: AnonymousSpace colonization, space mining, and other stuff.
The USA must make NASA a priority of the nation.
Then people with a decent IQ will like it more.
Then we will have "infinite" resources.
Then we will have THE UNIVERSE!
We need NASA for humanity to survive! Please, US! Please, Congress! Give us the UNIVERSE!
We need this! There is no reason to not "CONTINUE SPEINDING MONEY ON NASA"!Posted by: AnonymousMeh.
Although I don't like spending money on anything, a lot of common technology today has its roots in NASA.
Posted by: AlwaysMoreThanYouSupport NASA now.
NASA has launched the U.S. into the future. Even if you ignore the political sides of the argument, you can't ignore the scientific breakthroughs. NASA technology has been used in everything from medical equipment that changed how we handled the ill to the quality of tires we put on our cars to the safety of our smallest members of society through memory foam in their car seats.
Posted by: AnonymousFund NASA now!
Imagine this - our world is about to end, and we are all in danger. Where are we going to go? Well, we could go to space. But we couldn't possibly go if we aren't funding NASA. If we continue to fund NASA then we could maybe discover other planets and places to live. If we ever have the problem of Earth getting overpopulated, then we could send some people to the other planets. And some space crafts have little things that we now use on Earth. Fund NASA now.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA Improves Technology.
Think about this: what if we never went to the moon? Where would America's pride be? It's ambition--without that, the very soul of capitalism falls to the grasps of Federal government. Sure, there will be private supporters, but needn't America have faith in its own accomplishments? For example, I love the design of my iPhone.
Posted by: AnonymousFor the educated...
NASA is the "American Pie" for the scientific educational system. As NASA shuts down, so will the dream of becoming an Astronaut. These programs inspire humans from a young age. NASA proves that the impossible is often possible with dedication and efficiency. Ideas can only go as far as we can.
Posted by: AnonymousI agree, why?
I support the idea of allowing NASA to still be funded.
America is not ahead anymore, so as we are working with academics,
we could still be known for the great things that NASA has done.
Plus, China is ahead in academics, so if we continue with this we're still superior.Posted by: AnonymousNasa yay
Until corn subsidies stop, Nasa will not be the worst thing taxpayers spend money on.
Posted by: GreyparrotI Think That NASA should Stay!
It should stay because it helps us with communication, predicting the weather, the military, and so much more!☺
P.S. I'm 11 and we are learning about NASA and we are actually writing an essay on 'should we keep the NASA space program going or not?' and I'm writing that we should keep it!
Thank you!☺Posted by: AnonymousMore funding!
I think that more money should be spent on NASA. Many of us don't really care about politics and international conflicts. Let the money flow in the way of discovery, and not in the way of wars and destruction. Let NASA be that gateway for those of us who dare to dream. Let there be more knowledge in this world !
Posted by: CyberSYes, we should continue funding NASA.
We won't know what is out there if we stop the program. In 20 years the sun could be falling on us and we won't even know that is going on because no one will be looking for the signs. The world would have never gotten where it is now without the research NASA has done. No one would have straight teeth, TV, and when our children would be riding their bikes, they wouldn't be save without their bike helmets.
Posted by: AnonymousYes: More money for NASA equals new technology.
If America were to become the most technologically advanced nation in the world, we would not need to go to war. We would not need to depend on other countries. We could be completely self-sufficient and could cut other nations off from us. We could rebuild our infrastructure again. .
Posted by: AnonymousIt's the only way
This is the only way of our survival. Earth can not feed and protect us forever. It will take less than one hundred years to spend local energy and agricultural resources. Overpopulated, this place will become like jar with cockroaches. Wars will begin, probably nuclear, or even worse - biological.
Extinction is the only way for one who never left it's birthplace.Posted by: AnonymousYes, because NASA fuels imagination.
Yes, because NASA fuels imagination.Growing up in a small town only an hour and a half from NASA in Houston, I took multiple field trips and vacations to NASA. What's more exciting than learning about our universe? Let me tell you how sad I was when Pluto was downgraded from planet status. Kids these days don't focus on learning about the unknown. NASA fuels kids' imagination, which creates so many new ideas and inventions!
Posted by: isaac246810YES
Inventions created by NASA: Invisible Braces, Scratch Resistant lenses, Memory foam, Ear Thermometer, Shoe insoles, Adjustable Smoke Detector, Safety Grooving, Cordless Tools, and most importantly Water filters. We Americans use most of those things every day. The things that NASA creates benefits us. NASA created all things while underfunded as well. Just think if NASA was actually given more money! KEEP NASA!!!!!
Posted by: john123It’s cheap and provides imesrable benefits
The US currently spends about ½ a percent of its 3.4 trillion dollar budget on NASA to put that in perspective that about half a penny of every tax dollar. So where not going to solve our 16 trillion dollar deficit by cutting NASA we won’t even make a measurable dent but to top that off where already spending 10 times less than we did during the height of the Apollo program so cutting NASA for economic benefits simply doesn’t make sense. Now let’s take a look at all the benefits NASA provides
1) Provides us with essential information about our world and the universe. Beyond advancing human knowledge which I think is a worthy goal in its own right NASA has given us vital information such as knowledge of global warming by studying other planets such as Venus. Also NASA tracks asteroids that pose a threat to are very existence and formulates plans to prevent these asteroids from hitting earth also lets not forget mentioning the fact that NASA tracks solar flares that may pose a threat to our satellites or even are entire electric grid.
2) NASA creates practical consumer goods let’s take a look at all the things we wouldn’t have if it were not for NASA. Microwaves, laser surgery, UV sunglasses, GPS, advanced solar panels, advanced thermometers and the list goes on a recent study actually found that from 1966-1981 there was 181 billion dollars’ worth of sales as a result of NASA inventions that’s money that’s being taxed and actually helping to pay for NASA’s already miniscule funding.
So in conclusion cutting off NASA not only is dumb for economic reasons but it may pose a threat to the world we live in and may significantly slow down human progress.Posted by: AnonymousYes
Were slowly degrading the earth and if we dont find a substitute soon we'll have no place to go and if we have no place to go then life will end, i don't think we want that. if it was a waste of money then i guess its not worth spending money to save our lives haha. And spending all that money on useless military equipment that usually just sits around for a while isnt a waste? sure our safety is important but we don't need THAT much weapons. either find another planet or start taking care of the earth but i doubt us ignorant humans will take the time to do so.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is the best for the future
NASA will enable us to revolutionize new technologies that will impact us here on Earth. For example, NASA were the ones that brought the innovation of cordless tools and appliances, which influenced our modern tools today. As NASA continues to get funded, our technological superiority will continue to grow. Technology is the future.
Posted by: AnonymousWe have to inspire our next generation to dream about tomorrow today...
NASA is the greatest institution that man has ever created. It inspired humans to do things that no one else had done in the past. By doing this, they have discovered and invented new things that has made people's lives better. I would like my children to be proud of America's present innovations when they grow up and not to read them from history books that the country once did.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA is everything.
Although funding NASA takes a lot of money, they put out even more, which keeps our economy striving. They invented the technology that saves more lives than giving money to the homeless. NASA is responsible for inventing CAT scans, MRIs, the memory foam bed you sleep on, etc. NASA has not failed us at all. Many people only focus on the space exploration part, which would not be a failure if NASA had the money to even carry out their experiments and other research purposes. NASA also creates a huge amount of jobs, new technology, such as the cameras in your Androids and Iphones, and yet people still believe that NASA is a failure. Without NASA, there would be fewer people going to college, fewer people with jobs, fewer technologies being created, a national security system that still would be using out of date weapons, and much more. The things we learn while in space include how to preserve our planet, when will there be a severe weather alert, such as a hurricane, and maybe someday our planet will be way overpopulated and we'll need anther place to live, like Mars. There are more people who die of cancer in the US then there are starving people. There are so many programs for starving/homeless people. They are responsible for there choices if they want to take advantage of these aid programs or not. NASA is what represents this country and if we don't support them, we don't support ourselves. Those who don't want to be American can leave!
Posted by: AnonymousHaven’t you ever wondered what’s up there?
This year in America, 79 billion dollars were spent on Education, 84 billion dollars were spent on Health, and 683 billion dollars were spent on defense and military. However, only 17.7 billion dollars were spent on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. The government should be spending more money on space exploration because there are many inventions that we use every day that are what they are due to space exploration, it will help prevent disasters such as meteorite crashes because we know more about our atmosphere.
First of all, space exploration has benefits that we can use every day. Some of these include cosmetics, infrared ear thermometers, audio equipment, scratch-resistant and UV proof sunglasses, portable cordless vacuums and better sports gear. Shock absorbing foams that were created by NASA to better protect astronauts against the G force are now used in helmets to provide better protection and comfort. Just imagine how many more head injuries and concussions that you would have right now if NASA had never sent people in to space?
Now here is a situation that everyone has heard of or will soon, the meteorite crash in Russia. This meteorite streaked over the Ural Mountains and crashed to the earth in a remote region of Russia, but the crash still injured some 1200 people. The worst part is, no one, not even NASA, saw it coming. Now, this disaster happened in a remote region of Russia. However, it may have just as easily happened anywhere else. Imagine if it had hit New York City. Or Tokyo. Or somewhere in your neighborhood. Wouldn’t you want to know so that you could be evacuated? Or with more research, maybe the whole disaster could be averted and the meteorite’s path changed so that it hit the ocean? If we knew more about exactly what was orbiting around our earth or soaring through our solar system, we could be more aware of meteorites that are hurtling towards us! . Would you really rather a meteorite crash into your city than allow the government to pay a little more to NASA?
So if you want to know what space is really all about, you need to encourage the American Government to fund it properly. Maybe we can take some of those 683 billion dollars that we are now spending on war, of all things, and put it towards space exploration Space is the great unknown of the future, if we don’t have something to look forward to discovering then we don’t have the ambition to discover anything. If NASA shuts down, so will the dreams of millions of children. Just imagine all the possibilities that are out there, such as new ways to fuel our world and new water sources to replenish our polluted oceans! If you’re still asking yourself “why bother spending money on space travel,” the question you need to ask is, “why not?”.Posted by: AnonymousYes, NASA is economical.
Did you know that every dollar we spend on NASA gives the community back seven dollars? That, and it gives hundreds of thousands of people jobs, employment, etc. Who wants to argue that our economy cannot be better than it is now? So why, pray tell, should we not continue to fund NASA?
Posted by: AnonymousDefinitely yes! Totally
Just because they benefit our lives a lot. If not, where would we be with our knowledge of space? Not very far. Do you use a cell phone? Where do you think cell phones get reception from? The satellites in space. Where do the satellites come from? The astronauts! Duh!
Posted by: AnonymousCost
Only half of every cent you give to taxes is spent on NASA, its only around $17 billion a year compared to just education that got around $70 billion. They sent Curiosity to mars with that money just think of what they could do with double that money, about one cent of every dollar for taxes, no one will feel that change.
Posted by: AnonymousOpen your minds...
The title says it all.
If you think life as it is here is fine, you're dead wrong. We don't advance till we expand. Already so many years of religious intellectual suppression have brought us down, we don't need more. Their budget is not even 1% of the whole of US' income. Also I heard someone saying something like "We are already in debt." So you really think your country doesn't earn enough to pay them off? First stop the supply of corrupt a**holes who eat up all that money. Tell me, why are people being allowed to buy and own private jets? Do the people have any idea how expensive it is, as in resources, to build one, and you're giving them out to common people who think themselves to be of a higher standard that us common people? Why can't someone sit in a normal plane? It's messed up. Clear your minds.Posted by: AnonymousYes, because NASA fuels imagination.
Growing up in a small town only an hour and a half from NASA in Houston, I took multiple field trips and vacations to NASA. What's more exciting than learning about our universe? Let me tell you how said I was when Pluto was downgraded from planet status. Kids these days don't focus on learning about the unknown. NASA fuels kids' imagination which creates so many new ideas and inventions!
Posted by: AnonymousIndeed we should!
Space is what contains our little solar system and I would love to know what is all out there. If it's possible that there's life out there and a planet that can hold life, I think that the next step would be to travel there. Soon this planet well be overrun and the only way to stop it would be to stop having kids or kill off humans. I think by the time I'm 20, we might be able to live on a new planet if we keep this up! We should indeed keep spending money on NASA or else the money would be going to useless wars.
Posted by: AnonymousOf course they should, are you kidding me?
If we don't explore the universe, someone else will. That is not something the United States would want. Especially not after Russia beat us up into space. And we had debt LONG before NASA was even created. This has been top priority for the United States, to do something that will change the world. Well, we can. All we have to do is fund NASA. The reason NASA hasn't made any noticeable discoveries lately is because the government hasn't been funding it.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
A couple thousand years ago, people believed that the sun revolved around the sun. now, in modern science, we know that to be false. who knows what else could there be that we haven't fully figured out yet? There could be other worlds that we haven't explored yet. those of you saying that we shouldn't be funding NASA probably don't know all there is at stake. without the funds from the united states, nasa could be gone. When children are young they look up into space and wonder about what there could be. Why should we, as the generation to make change for the future, take that dream and ambition away from others? nasa is about dreams and science, and without that, what are we, really, as a country? If you want a more competitive point on the topic, if we stop funding nasa, then countries such as Russia will be the ones to explore the world, and what's the fun in that? having someone else do all the work for us?
Posted by: taylorpareceAbsolutely
Not only do I believe that America should spend more money on NASA, but I believe that space exploration should be a global effort. When we do make contact with another species, we will want to represent oursleves as a united planet, not as divided selfish beings who are constantly at war with each other. I realize i may have ranted a bit here xD I apologize for that
Posted by: PyropandaHave we not moved forward as a race?
I think we all know that NASA is the world pioneer in space exploration; having created many new technologies and reaching further from this earth than anyone before. They are comparable to the great explorers who proved the earth isn't flat, who discovered new lands. These explorers also received criticism and some were even executed for their views. Many though were simply passed off as crazy or a burden on society. Opposing NASA is doing the same; their program is the future of all space exploration and ultimately the human race. Opposing them is expressing ignorance and disregard for the bigger picture. This planet, no matter how hard we try, simply wont last forever. Whether it is an expanding sun or a food shortage sparked by population growth, this earth cannot sustain our expanding society forever. While it is important to preserve this planet for as long as we can it is equally important to expand our horizons. As far as money is concerned, well more money could be saved if everybody unplugged their appliances while they weren't using them. It's really a no-brainier, we would be taking a huge step backwards if we stopped funding NASA.
Posted by: AnonymousSUPPORT THE CONTINUATION OF SPACE EXPLORATION!
When Earth is too crowded, where are we going to go? Space exploration is the only way to find out. The research for human space exploration often results in the invention of innovative new technologies that could be helpful to us. Space exploration is necessary to ensure that humanity can grow and expand, even beyond what Earth can provide.
Posted by: Anonymousyes we should
we need to keep going to the moon. there are so many places in the space we have not been to and we need to learn stuff. think about kids in science class we stop going and no more learning for them in science.
Posted by: AnonymousOf course, yes.
We can hardly elucidate space we live in now. If NASA elucidate a something of space, it may be connected with the evolution of the human race. So, researching is very important. But, it costs a lot of money. This is the reason why America should continue spending money on NASA.
Posted by: oct-fmWe should keep going!
I think we need to continue to fund them. I do know that it cost a lot of money. But without it, we wouldn't know what to teach our children about space. We are figuring things out and we should continue to do it! There's more out there then just the moon. I really think we should support NASA.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, we should keep funding NASA.
I think we should keep funding NASA. Think of how much we could explore. I mean, in the future we could go farther than we are now in research and technology. We could go to all kinds of planets and see if there is life on the planets like when they found water on Mars. So I say yes, we should keep funding NASA.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, we should fund NASA.
We need to fund NASA because they make new discoveries. We need NASA to keep exploring because we need to know what is out there in our solar system. The more we know about the universe the better off we are, because it is useful knowledge that will help us understand more about our universe and the way we interact with it.
Posted by: AnonymousYa, we [Americans] should.
Really? Yes. Everyone is curious. It makes us who we are. If we didn't invest into space-travel, we wouldn't be on the moon! We wouldn't have things as awesome & advanced as robots! Also,really, if America wanted to spend money on the homeless & starving, they would have. [Did you know- that in some states, you can get fined for bringing food to the needy on the street?] Every child wants to fight aliens and go into space. With no curiosity, we might not even live in America, because no one found it.
Posted by: LionLlamasEveryone saying no is COMPLETELY wrong...
First of all, $9.928 billion is not spent on NASA, it is roughly $16-17 billion per year which is still half of 1% of the budget. Second, the money spent on NASA, is returned 2 to 3 times over (on the most conservative scale). Some say as much as 10 to 14 times return. So if we stop funding NASA, the economy will actually go down. All of the problems that are "more important" would still not get taken care of because the nation as a whole would have less money. TO those saying we could spend it on saving the Earth, do some research, NASA does that. TO the people saying we could spend it on education. AGAIN, research, NASA does that. NASA has a $100 million dollar education budget, they give scholarships, teach educators, and help get children interested in STEM related fields. TO those saying it should be just the private sector. Negative. It should be both the government and private sector. Why leave it to just one? NASA already helps the private sector by providing millions of dollars in funding to companies all over the US. TO the person about the oceans and Earth not being discovered, NASA does those things, too. There seems to be a misconception about NASA on the "NO" side. NASA is not just for finding another planet to live on, or about space travel. It helps make our airports more efficient, it has benefits to medicine, engineering, EVERYTHING. YOUR job, YOUR lifestyle, all benefits from NASA.
Posted by: AnonymousYes because it holds the future electronics
People who study astronomy, and succeed have a high employment percentage rate. Thousands of people can employ from the thousands of jobs they create, and you get more return on your money from NASA than any other government agency. Soon millions of different discoveries will be made. This opens up the chance that there are hundreds of earth like planets in our galaxy alone. The Nasa space program is the cheapest program funded by the government even though we live off Nasa.
NASA is on the tip of answering the most fascinating questions there are. Is there, was there or could there be life there? The money needed to provide the answers is about to be withdrawn, because of President Obama’s budget request for 2013, scientists say. I don't think this should be a problem because of all the programs that have been canceled towards other scientific discoveries.Posted by: AnonymousNASA developed Water Filter Technology that saves lives.
We can thank NASA for water filter tech. This saves lives all over the word. Technology is the only way we are going to solve our world problems. We need to go forward not backwards. And now with NASA working more with the private sector I expect a great future. If you want to see government waste, go look at the government welfare system.
Posted by: AnonymousNo we should not.
We are already in debt. The United States of America is already trillions of dollars in debt, why spend it on something that is really not that important? Our taxes should be going towards U.S. debts with other countries and education, not spending billions of dollars on collecting rock samples. NASA is a total waste of time and money.
Posted by: AnonymousIf the government doesn't fund NASA, it will go to companies, and companies won't lead the space race properly or safely.
Companies have the sole purpose of making money and therefore will cut corners and make mistakes whilst trying to get to space. Governments have the best interest of the people and country in mind, making them able to do the job thoroughly. Also, governments communicate better with each other than rival companies. If we cut government-funding for NASA space will go to the highest bidder. We really need to understand the universe we live in. Especially since we are currently destroying our planet and will soon need a new place to live.
Posted by: caracallaits cheap and provides inmesurable benifits
currently the US spends about 1/2 a percent of the 3.4 trillion dollar fedral budget on NASA, or to put it into perspective hald a penny out of every tax dollar. We are not solving are debt crisis or making any real impact on our defecit by cutting nasa and to top it off were already spending 10 times less on NASA then we during the height of the appolo era. Now lets look at what NASA gives us 1) protects us from many dangrous natrual phonemenon take for example global warmong which we only found out about after studying venus or astriods which NASA tracks forus and perpares possible measures that could prevent a human extinctions all for penny's on the dollar 2) practical invention lets take a look at things we wouldn't have if it weren't for NASA
Posted by: AnonymousAbsolutely.
NASA's funding is 1 100th of a percent on the tax dollar. Think about that. What if we were to make it to 1 penny on the tax dollar? Think about that. During the space race, the future became the biggest craze. Heroes were made. Little kids WANTED to grow up to be engineers. They thought it was cool. It spurred innovation, and at one point, we were way ahead of the rest of the world technologically. When the first pictures of Earth were taken, all of a sudden, we began thinking of Earth as a whole. Earth day was founded soon afterward, the EPA was soon created, we began thinking about global warming and pollution. Doctors without borders (I think that was what it was called) was founded. All of this through Space.
The more investment we put into NASA, the more we learn about Earth, and the more we help our economy. Space exploration spurs innovation. Innovation is something we desperately need in America at this point. It creates jobs. It creates heroes. It makes kids WANT to become engineers, something we are sorely lacking among youth today. The more we learn about Venus (a green house problem gone wrong), the more we learn about our own green house problem, and the more we can learn on how to stop it. The more we explore Mars, the closer we come to being able to colonize it, and give more room for our rapidly expanding population. Increasing Funding for NASA is a MUST!Posted by: slydessertfoxNASA inspired our greatest technical advances!
Since it's creation, NASA has been responisble for many of our greatest technical advances. The need for smaller lighter components for space flight has given us the personal computer, smart phones and much more. New materials were created to withstand the heat of reentry. The internet was the result of the need for researchers to communicate securely and quickly.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, NASA rules.
I think NASA should be funded for multiple reasons:
1. The moon is made out of cheese and who doesn't love cheese?
2. Pluto should be a planet.
3. We need to find the aliens hiding on Mars.
4. I like Pi.
5. NASA is an amazing program and it creates jobsPosted by: AnonymousNASA is the future.
NASA is our future and we should keep it because it keeps the world around us curious. It answers many unknown questions that we might have and continues to impress us with the knowledge of the vast and unknown universe. NASA is essential to society because it keeps kids dreams alive and that is why it is a great idea to keep NASA going.
Posted by: AnonymousYes we should!
We're an awfully short-sighted species. We KNOW for a fact that the sun will die out. We KNOW for a fact that we will outgrow the Earth. So why wait until we have no more time left? Science isn't easy--we have to start now! Expand! Grow! Secure our future millenia! Image the worlds we could explore and colonize if we just act now and not later!
Posted by: AnonymousAMERICA!!
NASA is a huge part of what makes this country great. We have the ability to venture into the unknown and see the wonders of outer space and if NASA's funding is cut these wonders will be lost. Also, NASA employs some of our best inventive minds and without such minds we will be at a stand still for technology.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's an investment.
The technology that has come out of NASA (or more realistically, NASA's discoveries) has depth on every level of our economy and personal lives. If we want to continue to have the most powerful economy in the world, we need to focus on a race to the top (highest quality goods), rather than a race to the bottom (cheapest goods) and in order to have those high quality goods, we need the most advanced technology available. NASA is one investment towards that advanced technology.
Posted by: Ore_EleYes we should.
We should keep spending money because it is helping to keep making new technology and medicine for future space travel. It will keep helping us create new things. It helps us keep knowing what space looks like and helps us to know if we go up how to adapt. We should keep spending money on NASA!
Posted by: Anonymousyes
because if we don't we won't be able to find new planets, nasa has found 3 plants that look to be the same as earth, things like that is what will help us, if they are the same as earth we could have nasa make us something to get us there to have new start. because if all the knowledge people in the use have we could make new things and have more chances, if anything, we could leave some half the people on earth can stay, and the other half go, and all they would have to do is sell tickets to go. we should fund nasa so they can find out more, yes, we do owe money but we can pay it back when we have what we need, yes there is 15 trillion in debt but we can slowly get that to the peole that we owe money to
Posted by: XeStormInvesting in NASA is investing in our economy.
It is a proven fact that when NASA is well funded and has a goal, say to beat the Russians to the Moon, they innovate new technology. When this technology is innovated, it is adapted for use in many different ways and this helps fuel the economy. Take for an example LASIK, the eye surgery. NASA developed precision technology to dock space shuttles to the ISS, and this was adapted for use in LASIK. Where NASA innovates, the economy expands.
Posted by: AnonymousDefinitely
Creates money, creates technology, creates jobs. It's worthwhile.
Posted by: THEBOMBNASA does nothing but benefit us, and it's just a drop in the bucket!
The US spends $20 million every 4 seconds, the same cost of sending two Mars Rovers into space per year. With so many spinoffs from space research that have benefited us and for such a small fraction of the cost US spends, why wouldn't we support NASA? NASA RULES, KEEP IT FUNDED!
Posted by: AnonymousExpand or Die
No matter how well we take care of our planet (and we haven't so far) we will eventually need more resources. Spreading throughout the galaxy avoids overpopulation, resource shortages, and eventual extinction. Without research into ways to do this quickly and effectively, the human race will die out. NASA provides this research so that one day, science fiction can become realty and energy, living space, and knowledge will be plentiful for all.
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
I think that while NASA's budget should be lowered as far as interplanetary travel, its exoatmospheric research is extremely important when considering dangers to humanity like asteroids...
Posted by: Nur-Ab-SalI would totally support America's continued spending on NASA, because we need to maintain the lead, when it comes to science.
NASA and other scientific organizations should have money poured into it. It is so strange to me that we would just give it all up and let other countries get further and faster in this specific realm of science. I don't like the idea of it being privatized, as it will be pushing the investors' agenda, not just science for the sake of science. It saddens me to think of America not funding NASA.
Posted by: PointlessElbert47Yes I believe we should keep NASA to help fund research and exploration.
I think we should keep NASA. Im in 8th grade at North Hills School District, and my science teacher has us doing an essay on whether we should keep NASA or not. Well after doing some research I believe we should. NASA isn't and never was just about the space shuttle. NASA does so much more. By getting rid of NASA its like getting rid of what we have studding the universe. If something went wrong and we didn't have NASA to tell us. We would never be prepared for what may come in the future. I know I may not be old enough for some of you people out there reading this to believe I understand any of this but I do. My grandfather use to work with NASA. I got a star named after me :). But NASA needs to stay and a lot of people out there need to relise that before it may be to late.
Posted by: jadybabyReligion and government vs. science.
Yes, but if religion is going to stand in the way of science then no. Keep religious beliefs to religion. I thought NASA was science and a space advancement organization paid by the tax payers money, but it has turned into just another money grabbing government mess-up. Our government has a long track record of keeping the truth from its people.
Posted by: AnonymousEarth is Limited.
The planet we live on is limited and can only last for so long, however, space is endless and contains unlimited possibilities. We're trying to hard to only stay in one place, we should broaden out knowledge of the universe and discover what we can get from other places instead of only figuring out what we can get from this one ball of matter.
Posted by: AnonymousOf Course!
NASA does many more things than space exploration, it starts businesses! They created memory foam, better sunglasses, freeze drying technology, baby food and artificial limbs! Also they explore space, imagine the gain America would have if we found out how to make space colonies! We would have two economies! The lunar people would have to rely on solar energy but once a colony gets set up all they would have to do is get some sort of amazing rocket vehicle to drop off the supplies to the great lakes or something and we get free stuff from the sky! The only problem is if some freaky alien crap happens but that's never going to happen. Yeah, lunar colony! Think about it.
Posted by: htet.htut3Yes, for the safety of humanity if nothing else.
The dinosaurs did not have a space program. The recent close calls with asteroids have reminded us that as long as humans only inhabit one planet, we are at an increased risk of becoming extinct. The space program gives us the tools to do something if danger arises. Paying off the debt is great, but we can still live if we have debt.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Science not only advances our country, but also the entire world. There are so many other useless things we can get rid of to compensate for huge NASA spending. Did you know the government spent $300 million dollars on cheese in 2004 for military MRE's when most soldiers are completely repulsed by it. That kind of spending should be cut.
Posted by: latter678Yes, there's no limit to discoveries.
Space goes on forever and will continue on forever. There are a vast amount of things out there that we are just fascinated with. I am amazed when I hear a new discovery about space, and I think it is sweet when you can name a star after yourself. The amount of things we can find in space are limitless.
Posted by: ACTS13One giant step for mankind.
"One small step for man, one giant step for mankind." - Neil Armstrong
Space is the next frontier. It's where we - the human race, mankind, whichever name you prefer - is bound to go eventually. With technology advancing the way it is, it would be completely ridiculous NOT to fund NASA. NASA is one of the main reasons that technology has advanced to the point it is today. Why shut off funding to one of the most important tools to our future?Posted by: AnonymousSpace exploration is the key to understanding the universe.
That being said, less than 1% of the national budget is spent on the space program, while millions, if not billions of dollars are spent and lost on the military each day. Until the private sector begins to have success, the united states government must complete the task.
Also, so much of today's modern technology has roots in America's space program, and by continuing to fund this research, new technology will be produced.Posted by: thecomingstormUnless we are to give up as a species.
Humanity's future is in space, and the spin-off technologies alone are worth the relatively tiny investment. A world without NASA would be a world without hope, and not one that I would want to live in. The problems NASA solves will ensure the future survival of our entire species, not just a few individuals.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Overpopulation is definitely a growing problem and we will need a new place to put people in sometime in the future. Also, NASA helps create everyday products from the technology that they create. We might even find new ways to make energy or other places where life could exist in the universe to study.
Posted by: AnonymousYes NASA is a must.
Without NASA there will not be young minds to take the place of the older ones to fill these roles as inventors and innovators. I believe that NASA educates kids and makes them strive for success in such a way as to be a positive effect on he society of America as a whole.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA should be funded.
NASA helps America, especially in the health field, with medical inventions and technology. For example, NASA developed technology to detect cataracts and eye disease, also parts in the Hubble telescope can detect early stages of breast cancer, which is the number one type of cancer that kills American woman. Also, many people who are against NASA's funding pull up the argument that NASA greatly contributes to our nations debt, and that it takes half the tax payers money. This is completely false! In all facts and truth, NASA uses LESS THAN HALF A PERECENT of taxes. There's the truth. We need to keep NASA.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, not only America, but everyone
They can save us from space threats, discover new planets, moons, black holes, stars, etc.
They're the most interesting organization I've ever seen. As a child, I've always wanted to be an astronaut, and now I no longer want to, but I wish to know what else is out there, imagine if there are other forms of life?
It would be revolutionary.Posted by: arthur_marinhoBecause
We as a race are extreamly curious. The only way to feed that need is to discover new things. The Earth is only so big and we have almost discovered most of the interesting things. Besides NASA doesn't just add to space technology they have contributed alot to everyday equipment. Like memory form.
Posted by: AnonymousYES WE SHOULD FUND NASA
We should keep funding NASA because someday the earth might get too overpopulated and we might need to go to another planet. Then we would need that spacial knowledge. So if we did not have NASA we would know nothing about space and we would all die from overpopulation and lack of natural resources.
Posted by: AnonymousWe should get people to Mars.
I wish they didn't get rid of the Space Shuttle though.
Posted by: martiansharkYes
Funding should continue for NASA because the requirements for human existence (sustainable temperatures, sun for photosynthesis to occur, drinkable water, atmospheric pressure comfortable for humans, etc.) will at one point be used up and there would not be any other resources to use. By President Obama, Congress, the Senate, and the House of Representatives agreeing to keep funding the space exploration program, scientists will keep the exploration of alien planets that will have some, if not all, of the requirements of humans to comfortably survive on another planet. Based on research that has been conducted over the years, researchers have found that carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide levels and several other pollutants that are volatile towards life have been rising drastically over the years. Now since car producers have been trying to make their vehicles to emit less dangerous gas compounds, the levels are beginning to “level” out and lower. If the dangerous gases do lower we would have a couple more years to spend on the Earth without the ozone layer diminishing and allowing harmful UV radiation to enter Earth’s surface which in large amounts could cause skin cancer.
In addition, funding for NASA should carry on because the space and lunar exploration of man is a symbolism of human intelligence. Considering that humans had and still have the ability to launch space craft into space is a great achievement for us. At one time people could only imagine flying into the Heavens but with the “super intelligence” of man we have beaten the challenge of flying into space and even onto the Moon. “The sky is the limit” has now just been taken out of the vocabulary of scientists and space exploration experts. We've gotten above and beyond the expectations of astronomers from the past if they were still here. Even though that small parts of Earth have not and still to be discovered, why can’t we go farther than that considering we have an entire universe to explore and make new discoveries.Posted by: AnonymousShould lower funding, but not completely drop.
NASA has made several great discoveries. NASA has discovered important things, and we must continue it to discover more. @the guy -> who says we should spend more money on cancer research, you do realize that it was NASA that found a treatment for cancer?
Posted by: 1dustpeltYes. I believe that the United States should fund the space program and keep America in the race to the stars.
N.A.S.A has been a big part of the American way of life for more than 40 years. And that has brought many new technologies to the American public in their quest for space travel. Our continued support of the space program is a strong commitment to the American public and the suffering economy of America. It allows jobs in the space program, which help the suffering economy of those states involved with the production of needed equipment for N.A.S.A.
Posted by: LimpingChauncey64Yes, look at history.
If you look back into history the old countries always wanted to move forward and explore and guess what it paid off they discovered new countries. They discovered new animals and new people. The United States wouldn't even be around if people back then just said oh we don't have enough money lets spend it on right here. Exploration is necessary for the human race to progress.
Posted by: AnonymousWE NEED NASA
WE NEED NASA for plenty of reasons and we will continue to need them for years to come. We need federal funding to pay for this because if we didnt have that then NASA would not exist. They would have never walked on the moon or anything. This proveshow much we need NASA.
Posted by: AnonymousBecause NASA does things that no one ever has done before
Why would we even think of reducing funding for an agency like NASA that has put our country on a pedestal? Half a penny on a tax dollar has inspired millions to dream big. We want our children to dream about the cities of tomorrow, roads of tomorrow, buildings of tomorrow and possibly things that would be created tomorrow that don't even exist today. IMHO we need to double NASA's budget as we know from history that it is the best investment we can make as a soceity for the future generations.
Posted by: kodcracksYes, NASA h as provided economic, medical, and space benefits.
Sunglasses, athletic shoes, and helmets, three differing entities in size shape and form. However, there is one thing, an entity, which connects all three… NASA!! NASA gave way to such modern innovations that today are taken for granted. Without NASA, our society would have been a whole different realm of shoeless blinded athletes who did not have helmets to protect themselves. Obviously, NASA is a necessity. The United States should increase funding for NASA’s expand from its current .48% of the federal budget to 1.5% of the federal budget because of the better economy, medical advances, and the magnitude of space endeavors that will result from raised funding.
There are several key terms that need to be defined. NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The International Space Station is where all of the world’s astronauts go to work and research. NASA spin-off technology is technology that has been commercialized and created through NASA funding and research such as sunglasses and helmets according to nasa.Gov.
Going to our first point, with a raise in NASA’s budget, there will be greater economic benefits in the United States.
According to nasa.Gov, NASA has helped boost the economies of every single state in America since its creation in 1958. This is a result of the different material that NASA needs which it receives from states such as . For instance, Illinois alone got $323 million from NASA. This is important because more money for our states means that money can be spent on the people and to help aggrandize our position and standard of living.
Innovation fuels the United States and that is what NASA has to offer. The Industrial Revolution was, according to Joseph Montagna from Yale University, driven by innovation.
NASA also gives jobs to over 18,000 individuals including government contractors, lawyers, engineers, etc…. NASA helps support, maintain, and create a better economy! Now, the reasoning of increasing the funding of NASA is to allow for more of these innovations which will help the American economy.Posted by: AnonymousIt is Imperative To Keep Spending and Even Increase
We have been the center of the space exploration ever since we beat the USSR to the moon. Technologies that were discovered from Nasa's technologies have helped out down on the Earth. Since the budget cuts, we will never go to Mars, or even back to the moon. We have no rocket that can send up astronauts anymore. "How about Space-X and their rocket? Nasa Scientists have scene the rocket they were going to use. They said "Space-X cuts every corner in the book". Their problem is that THEY WANT PROFIT. It is not time for Profit if we can not even travel farther than moon efficiently. Nasa's budget is less than 1% of the US BUDGET.... We are giving space for the Arabs and China.
Posted by: AnonymousTo learn about our universe!
If we dont learn about space we will not continue innovating our products. also many of our greatest products came from space exploration! Keep Nasa!
Posted by: Calki288008NASA is worth it.
They don't actually use that much money, and they contribute many useful inventions to society.
Posted by: rogueYes
We don't want to wait until another "Space Race" to get NASA back up and running. We want to keep discovering. If NASA's funding gets cut many great scientists will head over to Europe in search of work... don't we want those minds to stay with us?
Posted by: tprop44Absolutely.
All the arguments for why we should not provide more money for NASA is based at its root in selfishness. We need to stop looking to our minuscule everyday problems we have as the insignificant human race. We are but a small and irrelevant race of bickering creatures. It is hard for us to comprehend just how small we really are. Looking to the future we should not look inward to our own problems, but instead invest in a frontier that we are clueless about! "what else do we need to know about space?" Is that a joke?? In comparing what we do know to what we do not, we are mindless retards who cant tie our own shoes! The farthest we have ever gone as humans is the moon. In relation to something we can comprehend that like me exploring everything from where I sit now to less than an arms length away. We know nothing. So lets invest in learning. Lets invest in NASA. Our biggest classroom.
Posted by: clarktim3242NASA should continue to get funding due to job creation and educational opportunities.
NASA creates jobs and gives children an urge to become scientists and mathematicians. A kid in school doesn't want to become a pilot to make money or a scientist to invent a gas efficient engine. They will want to if they could have a chance to dream about flying through the canyons of Mars, and then they become the inventors of the future.
Posted by: AnonymousBelieve in Nasa because they have done so much
We need money to explore into space and find more minerals to bring back to Earth
Nasa is researching, trying to find safer ways for planes to travel. If you didn’t have Nasa your airplanes would be a lot more dangerous.
Without Nasa and the money they get we wouldn’t have spinoffs that we use everyday like: Artificial Limbs, Ventricular Assist Device, Light-Emitting Diodes, Anti-Icing Systems, Highway Safety, and more.
Nasa needs money to research space to understand it better, we need to find out whats beyond the galaxy and stars, so we can learn the way of the universe.
Also, they need money for creating more technical equipment to help us with difficult projects.Posted by: AnonymousYes, because NASA HELPS make the AMERICAN economy stronger.
Contrary to what some may think, funding NASA actually is beneficial to the economy. For some reason people think that money stops at NASA, that they just flush money down the toilet and BAM a Rover magically appears on Mars. That is simply not the case. NASA funding goes straight to American industry. In fact for every dollar spent by NASA ten dollars are generated into the economy. And that is just the shirt term economical benefits of NASA spending. Long term benefits include the 1500 or so inventions resulting from NASA's awesomeness. Plus rockets are freaking cool.
Posted by: AnonymousWe Need NASA
It provides jobs, and moral support. When we landed on the moon our economy upgraded. It cost very little money compared to the 5 trillion we get every year as the US. Funding comes form other nations to. Like for the International Space Station. We need NASA. We need space exploration. Its here. Keep it here.
Posted by: AnonymousAbsolutely! It's the ONLY way to maintain a species.
Space exploration is pivotal to all advanced species. If humans 500 years ago thought how humans today think, North and South America would still be undiscovered and we would still think the earth is flat. The point of existence is to better your species. With the trillions of space catastrophes that happen every single day, its only a matter of time before this little, insignificant rock is obliterated. Single planet species are doomed to extinction. The only way to make life better on Earth is to study our galaxy and universe; how things were formed, how certain planetary conditions arise, what the fate is of our planet, sun, and solar system. There are undoubtedly thousands, if not millions of other extremely advanced civilizations in this universe of ours, some which have likely existed for millions of years. They ARE exploring the universe. They ARE colonizing other planets, and IF they manage to discover our speck of the universe, those against space exploration better hope they are friendly and don't wipe our species from the face of this planet. The ONLY way we will survive is to explore, study, and colonize. It is our destiny as a species and it's time we stop denying it.
Posted by: AnonymousThe Sun
If you are reading this you probably know the sun will burst (in roughly 4 billion years) and without NASA, we will all die a horrible burning death. So we should invest in the world's space programs, for the future of all human civilization. But, even though we look at space as a massive profit loss, it could be a massive gain. If we found a type of mineral or gas to power vehicles indefinably wouldn't that be amazing?
Posted by: Anonymousyoure nothing
this planet created life and now life is being sucked out of the planet by us. one day this earth will be long and gone. but what about further generations? are we just gonna wait around until doomsday, which has happen to this plants before to the dinosaurs, and even more recent apocalyptic events. if we further our knowledge of space and even discover other life and communicate in some way. we could better or chances as human race to further our knowledge of the universe. because knowledge is power!
Posted by: AnonymousNASA has proven itself efficient.
People said that the money was a waste and we shouldn't have tried to get a rover on Mars. Guess what? We got it done. It has proven that it can get things done and it has proven that it could get that space rover (Curiosity) on Mars.
Posted by: Viper-KingYes! It only accounts for less than 1% of the budget and is still making worthwhile achievements.
Opportunity, the mars exploration rover that discovered water on mars with spirit less than a decade ago is still working and sending info to scientists. Msl, a robot with even greater testing ability is on course to mars now. Kepler, a sensitive program for detecting and evaluating possible earth-like planets should likewise should be continued. There are too many great things that would end and money wasted if we don't complete these programs. I concur that nasa should take a break from manned flights for a few years. But there should always be a nasa. Right now the private sector's stuff is majorly prototypes. And people and most organizations don't have the money or resources to research and test new designs. Until technology is developed that can feasibly be used by entrepreneurs to realistically start their own space enterprise, and those flights are excepted by the public and being used with a understandable amount of reliability and frequency, we need a government organization to head the operations. Nasa inspires. Without nasa, who would inspire the next generation of people to try to find their own way into space? I'm a teenage girl, call me whatever, but nasa is what got me into science. Following its continuing missions kept me into science. Nasa is so much more than a shallow contest for bragging rights. Thank you for reading.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA creates industries, jobs and the money goes back in to the economy of every single state
For every NASA mission, NASA invents new technologies that we Americans use EVERY SINGLE DAY. The technology is patented and licensed out to American companies. They have done this tens of thousands of times, in every state. The money is returned into the economy and creates industries and jobs.
Posted by: AnonymousNASA is important
Without NASA we would not have the technology we would have today. Also if we can keep funding NASA then later generations will have better lives than we have right now. For those who say that the United States should "keep investing money to the military we would be safer" is true, but if we continue to invest in NASA technology would become better and more powerful thus having better weapons to protect us if you want to see it at that point of view. Another reason is because the Earth wont always be here, one day it will die with the solar system and we would really need to get out of here, or figure out a way to stop the sun from destroying majority of the solar system.
Posted by: Anonymoushmngbfyjf
Nasa makes kids dream to go to space. To explore the galaxy, thus flooding our economy with intelligent dreamers who want a better future and have hope for a better and science-oriented tomorrow. We spend way too much of our money dictating what others do with their countries and watch as all the new innovations come from other countries. We can look at things like Google and the Iphone, and know that unless we fund Nasa and innovations, then all those ideas will just die or vanish to some oversea buyer.
Posted By: 7sanPosted by: AnonymousYes because the Orion is a joke.
We should be doing more. The BuildTheEnterprise website is a good example of what NASA could be doing. It's been possible to build a larger space vehicle for decades. NASA isn't to blame though. It's the politicians that are single-minded and ignorant to the potential of space exploration. We can do more and should.
Posted by: AnonymousSoon
Once we have our economy back on track. Humanity has lots to discover why not?
Posted by: DontTreadOnMeNASA's influence is substantial, other things are not as much.
NASA is an organization that delves into science and technology for the well-being of the world. They focus their research on aerospace and the universe, but that is not just it. They do focus their portions on earth studies, as well as technology for the world to use. NASA research has been used to create over 30,000 different applications, such as insulin pumps, firefighting gear, weather satellites that prevent thousands because of forewarned hurricanes, and laser heart surgery. Right now, NASA receives about 13 billion dollars a year, less than .5% of the entire GDP. On the other hand, Churches are tax exempt, and save an average of 73 billion dollars a year. They could feed all of the homeless people in the entire United States each year, and have another 72 billion left over with that 73 billion. I understand that Churches do charity work and help the needy sometimes, but if that's the case, then why isn't the Red Cross, whose basis is entirely devoted to helping people, tax exempt? NASA's developments are technological and scientific, helping the entire community, while Churches help those that only believe in them, and can even spew hate against certain people because they are being themselves. If you dare to bring up the argument of NASA's funds should be used somewhere else, then you are obviously oblivious to all the corruption and money spent and lost due to politicians who look into themselves as opposed to their people. Have you ever heard of corruption in NASA? I don't think so.
Posted by: AnonymousYes they need all the funding they can get
Pretty sure that if there was anything wrong with this planet they would know first. There are so many things that if we didn't have NASA we would be dead by now. That now said there are so many things that would be wrong with this planet now if we had no one to tell us what is wrong with the weather.
Posted by: AnonymousThe next frontier; America should continue spending money on NASA.
Humanity has to engage in a peaceful transition to a global peace, a military doesn't do that, it only creates war. If we spent the military budget on NASA, we would fuel ourselves to Mars, the Moon, and uncover untapped resources such as uranium, gold, silver, and hundreds of other minerals...
Posted by: AnonymousExploration and resources.
There is no reason not to continue exploring space. My argument is, why haven`t we traveled further into space. Why be oblivious to the possibilities of different species and which could be on thousands of other planets. There could be other civilizations like ours. Money should not be an issue here at all, it's a no brainer.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's an inexpensive gamble.
You guys keep on saying that it never shows results-neither does cancer research, and that's never stopped Children's' Hospital from trying. Also, you say that we don't have enough money--the empire state building was made during the Great Depression, and we still have a giant worthless metal pole in the middle of New York City.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's not a waste
I want to quasi-direct this statement at the person saying "Why waste money we don't have" and the put Earth 1st person, but I still want to keep it fairly short. Yes I agree we are in a big "financial pickle" so to speak with China and it will be left to my generation/my kid's generation/ and maybe my grandchild's generation to pay off the debt. But outside of the space race with Russia during the Cold War the NASA budget hasn't made up more than 1% of the Budget and has since been dropped to less than 0.5% of the national budget. Inversely the military is taking more. For each "grunt" it costs $250,000 for training and that doesn't include deployment costs, food, water, equipment, etc. The military takes up the majority of the budget and doesn't seem to concern itself with limiting its cost. And many expenses are complete waste NASA has highly educated staff and with study and investments it could lead to improving everything on Earth as well as further space travel. For example we would like to terraform Mars. That includes knowing how to cheaply produce and move grains and other basic necessities billions of miles. If NASA could figure out how to grow plants on Mars I'm pretty sure they could engineer those plants to work on Earth in developing countries.
As a kind of a final thought I would like to say that the men and women who fight for freedom and the protection of the United States cannot be thanked enough and that they should be receiving more medical coverage and respect than they are currently receiving. However the military budget is far too high and being wasted (you can look up military waste on Google). In short I don't want to add money to the budget but rather reallocate some of the waste to NASA.Posted by: AnonymousNo nasa no technology
If we get rid of nasa our technology advances would decrease a great deal. Without the advances that nasa has made in science and technology we would not have a lot of the things that we have today including all your precious smart phones and computers. We also cannot not tactically afford to stop sending satellites into space or we will get behind in the space race and that would be very bad for us if we were to go to war with, say, china
Posted by: Anonymous"We must not allow the president to neuter our space program."
We need to head back to the moon so that we can hone our skills and technology for the more demanding trip to Mars and other yet unknown challenges. Americans are by their very nature explorers. This country was founded by explorers. Much of the advancement and growth in the economy the past three decades have their roots in the space program.
Posted by: AnonymousOne Small Step
He development of NASA was crucial. Without NASA many military hardware and household appliances. Yeah we are wasting tons of money that is true but for a good cause. If we never created a space program not only will the billions of people homeless will still be homeless but they could be dead. Russia would of beaten us to the moon and properly would of taken us down as a super power. Television, phones, satellite internet, global communications, climate changes and our knowledge of the solar system and the universe would be undiscovered.
Posted by: Anonymous
Think about Earth first.
Number one Priority and Location: Earth. It is, after all, where humans live; why do we care so much about locations and creatures (even if, there is any kind of life, at all, out there) that are sooooooooooooo far away from us?
And yes, I DO know how America was discovered. and if, by any chance, Columbus is looking down on it and sees what has become of it, he'll be cursing the curiosity that drove him to discover it!
Why, when our own children are dying from hunger by the billions, do we take the food from our "pantries" and give it to our far away " neighbors?"
There are of course our eminent scientists, who will argue that the benefits from space travel will be immense for future generations. By all means try and leave this planet in a livable condition for our children, grandchildren, etc. but make sure that we take proper care of those that are on earth RIGHT NOW!Posted by: AnonymousWe should spend money on important things, not on NASA. NASA is not that important to us and our community.
The USA should spend their money on jobs, families, friends, food, and homes, not on NASA. If we spend all our money on NASA, we won't have any money left to pay our taxes and bills we have to pay each month. We need to spend money on things we will use every day, not on things that aren't that important.
Posted by: AnonymousDebt? We can't waste money.
We spend HALF of our money on space exploration. Fair? I don't think so. Half means that every penny we give in taxes to the government, they take out 50% from it. SO, $100 tax dollars, $50 goes to the government funded NASA. 17 Billion dollars. Not too fair.
Posted by: AnonymousThis is not something that we, as a country, can afford anymore.
While we have achieved great things with NASA, I think the time for a government monopoly on space travel has come to an end. There is no USSR to compete with anymore, and the country is quickly heading towards bankruptcy. Therefore, the best solution is to turn NASA over to the private sector.
Posted by: ErvinAnimeThe US Government Should Not Be Spending Money on This.
The United States owes money to China. Why spend even more money when you're already in debt? There are other space programs besides NASA, including ROSCOSMOS, ESA, CNSA, and many more. Together, they can work in space as well as NASA can, and they can actually afford it. The US government should not focus on the space program when they don't even have any money to spend on it.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy waste money we dont have?!
We are already in big trouble with China, we have a HUGE amount of debt that our child's grandchildren have to pay and we're spending money that we dont have. NASA shouldnt be our top priority right now, if we took the money we spent on NASA then we could build homes and supply food for the homeless. And do you think its right for NASA employees to get paid more than a military soldier?! Soldiers risk their lives for us, and what do they get? Paid less than NASA employees.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, the government is spending too much money on NASA without seeing results.
NASA claims to need more money, but the organization has not made a single major discovery in years. The government should spend their money on more important and immediate issues like Medicare and cancer research - an effort that can and will save lives. I'm not saying that NASA should cease to exist, it is and has been a great program over the decades. However, it should not receive the huge funding that it currently does, and certainly not increased funding.
Posted by: AnonymousI do not think that America should continue spending money on NASA, because there are more important issues at hand.
While the advantage that NASA has had in the United States, by further developing technology, has been supreme and exciting, there are larger, more important factors at hand. America should, right now, be focused on getting on a better economical level before worrying about any further advances in technology. Once this issue has been handled, then further exploring with space and technology will be an adventurous and wise choice.
Posted by: MycaDemonNo.
I absolutely agree with the above posts. Why spend money on finding another planet to live on when we can save the one we're living on? Moreover, there ARE more important things at hand. $9.928 billion is spent on NASA per year, and $9.928 billion can mean saving the earth itself, saving homeless or poor, and much more. Think about that.
@slydessertfox how is it that the more we learn about earth helps our economy?Posted by: helaineliaoNASA is like an un-sharpened pencil - it has NO POINT
Why spend billions of dollars on space exploration when we don't even know our own planet? The ocean is the lifeblood of Earth, covering more than 70 percent of the planet's surface, driving weather, regulating temperature, and ultimately supporting all living organisms. Throughout history, the ocean has been a vital source of sustenance, transport, commerce, growth, and inspiration.
Yet for all of our reliance on the ocean, 95 percent of this realm remains unexplored, unseen by human eyes. We only discovered less than 5% of the ocean. Space is really out of THIS world, so why worry about it.Posted by: SciAmerica shouldn't continue spending money on NASA.
The government is funding space exploration rather than supporting important programs on Earth. The government worries more about exploring space than it does about feeding the starving children and giving homes to the homeless. Our country is in debt trillions of dollars and millions of people are starving and dying, but the government wants to find ways to further understand space. They are not taking into consideration the impact that they can make on this world by using the funding for space exploration and putting it towards feeding and housing people that are truly not able to support themselves. According to United Nations Food and Agriculture, one in twelve people worldwide are malnourished, including 160 million children under the age of 5. This is an incredible amount of children. Spending money on NASA is a waste of time. We live on Earth and that is where God placed us at. Think about it, if God wanted us to live on another planet, wouldn't we already be on it?
Posted by: AnonymousNo the Earth is dying.
Why does NASA want to spend money stopping asteroids from colliding with the Earth or Moon, when we are killing ourselves in incredible numbers through war, hunger, disease, natural disasters, pollution. Going to the moon? Great, what did we gain? Did we gain any benefit to stop our own disasters, NONE, ZERO!
Posted by: AnonymousNo
Someone posted saying that the U.S. Military funding is 50 times more than that of NASA. Even if this is true, the U.S. Military is here on the planet helping to keep us safe and free. All NASA is doing is sending more and more junk into space, if they want to keep going into space than they can use the money of those who want to donate or of those who work for them. We don't need to keep wasting money on NASA's experiments when we are in debt. Save the money for stuff that is needed.
Posted by: AnonymousElleKitten
I think we shouldn't entirely stop funding NASA, but for now I think we should. I've noticed that us humans seem to mess things up before making it better, which basically what is happening to earth at this moment. I think we should use the money being funded to NASA and us it to save what we have now. EX). We can find an antidote for snake/spider bites, we can build a wall so the animals of the Everglades will stop coming into the Florida and being killed, Ice Capsule.
Posted by: AnonymousWe need a stronger military.
I think we need a stronger military so 'Murica can be strong and fight off the enemies. If the military isn't strong we could be overrun. That would not be good. So we need a stronger military. If 'Murica is overrun we don't have a country and we could have a dictator.
Posted by: AnonymousNasa hasn't done anything breathtaking in YEARS.
The government has spent billions of dollar in order to fund them. Their, or our, goal is to make it to the moon by 2020. Have people forgotten what is happening on OUR planet? Have we forgotten the problems on OUR own hands? America is reaching too far, all the government would like is more to have, even though they can barely control a country where there are many things to discover on our own soil.
Posted by: AnonymousIf they want it.
I believe that if so many people want it so bad, then why not just let them fund it. They say that it does not cost too much so let them foot the bill. If they what to protect themselves from the asteroids, I say let them spend the money on it rather than begging the government to do it. I say that NASA did in fact create new technologies, but do we really need the new Apple i-phone? Seriously!
Posted by: AnonymousNoooooooo
I don't think we should fund NASA because we are wasting money on them for no particular reason and its just nonsense. We should be spending money on starving people and the homeless not on some "STUPID ASTRONats. I wished astronauts wasn't a job career and its just not good
Posted by: AnonymousNo they shouldn't, spend the money where it is needed.
I think they should stop funding NASA because the money used to fund them could be going to more important things like giving kids a proper home or giving them food if they are starving. We should figure out problems on earth before we go figure things out in space.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, there are better things to do.
One and a half million lives lost for wont of anti-malarial bed nets. It is electricity to power a U.S. city of two million people for a year. It is nine-hundred billion gallons of fresh drinking water produced by desalination. We pay for a single shuttle launch with fifty million bushels of wheat.
Posted by: AnonymousNo,
Correct me if I'm wrong... I think we've only explored 5% of the ocean. Lets start by replenishing what we have ruined and exploring whats within our reach, before going to uninhabitable planets and messing up our atmosphere in the process. I bet you if money was given to people in return for not having kids educating themselves and cleaning up the planet we could resolve many of Gaia's issues.
Posted by: GORGIASWe Are Already In Debt
The United States of America is already trillions of dollars in debt, why spend it on something that is really not that important? Our taxes should be going towards U.S. debts with other countries and education, not spending billions of dollars on collecting rock samples. NASA is a total waste of time and money.
Posted by: AnonymousNo,
Instead of finding another planet to live on when we destry this one, why don't we try to save this one. It's a shame to spend all this money on NASA while our people are starving. Instead of spending all that money, why don't we try to limit the national dept?
Posted by: sculmer2We have bigger issues.
Why spend so much money on one organization? They bring back what? Maybe a rock and come up with a huge BS story of how it will be the next big thing so they can get more money. I'm not saying to completely stop their funding because that's lots of jobs and research we need, but do they truly need billions and billions of dollars? Lets think about this.
Posted by: AnonymousNo
It's a waste of money. I mean, really, what else do we need to know about space? We're just sending our rockets and machines into space. The failures end up junk in space. We already know that there are planets, a sun, and the other stars. If/when America sends another rocket, we're just wasting money.
Posted by: AnonymousDangerous and no reason.
We already know from past experience that space travel is dangerous. Yet many of you say one of the main reasons NASA is important is because in the future we might need to go and colonize a new planet to survive? Yet just going into space and back is already dangerous enough. Yet we still think going to another planet is safer? If space is really endless then that means we could be spending limitless amounts of money just hoping we will get lucky and find something. It's like going into a completely dark maze that goes on forever and trying to find a way out, we eventually end up at a dead end.
Posted by: AnonymousWith the debt America already has, NASA is not our priority.
It costs 60 million dollars per seat to get to the International Space Station. One space mission costs about 450 million dollars. The Space Shuttle Program was 209 billion dollars in total. The Hubble Space Telescope cost us 1 and a half billion dollars, The James Webb Telescope will cost us 8 billion. The Columbia disaster cost us a half a billion. The Challenger disaster cost us over 2 billion. The Curiosity Mars Rover was 2 and a half billion. In 2011, NASA spent over 18 billion. And the U.S. is already trillions of dollars in debt. Exploring space is not as important as fixing what is down here. NASA is not our priority.
Posted by: LusterUsed to support NASA...
I used to support NASA and thought it was well worth the money but now the spend more time debunking end of the world rumors and chastising us all about a non-existent global warming problem. I say shut them down and take the money to pay down the debt. The excitement has worn off and private companies can do space exploration more efficiently. We are NOT going to run out of raw materials to feed and house humans so there is no reason to look for another place to colonize. That's just ignorant.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is a huge waste of money.
Why should we spend all this valuable money on N.A.S.A? It is like throwing money out the window. It is really not fair. I believe it is so unfair because we are spending our valuable money and it goes straight to N.A.S.A . Homeless people are spending all their rent money on N.A.S.A. Then they end up without a home. When the astronauts get home they won't have as much money as they had before. It is just a huge waste of money.
Posted by: AnonymousLook at your own planet.
I think we should start fixing up our own planet before we discover others. We shouldn't spend 17 million dollars on finding meteors and comets. How about spending 17 million dollars to pay off our debt? Or to fix our job loss problem? Or to fix our human starvation problem?
Posted by: AnonymousIf we are going to spend money, we may as well out it toward a more beneficial cause than space travel.
Space travel is not helping earth or any of its problems. America is in debt, there are starving countries all over the world, and traveling to space is not solving any of these issues. One tenth of the money spent on NASA could be used to feed and water starving and homeless people. (in extreme poverty) We are so in debt that another government could easily take over our country. The last thing we should be thinking about is space travel. Why don't we focus on the problems of our own world and our economical and financial problems before getting involved in the problems of space.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, there are more important things than this.
No, NASA has taken up to $10.00 out of the average American each year. We could use those $10.00 for something for useful than going into space. People are homeless, children are starving, and families are broken because we decide to spend our money on space parts. Did you know that we gave NASA at least $2000.00 for a space craft, and they decided it was a no-go,that was $2000.00 wasted.
Posted by: AnonymousConcentrate on earth first, then space.
Find ways to save the millions of lives we lose every year to cancer, heart attacks etc FIRST, then, if you consider it necessary, proceed into space, for God only knows what you are looking for.
Simplistic thinking? Perhaps yes, but then again my values are very different to your struggles for supremacy in all the wrong areas of life.Posted by: AnonymousNo. Nasa's Budget needs to go down.
I think that the Asteroid Protection is REALLY important. I just think were spending to much excess money on other stuff, like, Exploration, NASA Education, and so forth, and this money needs to be heavily reduced. We could be using this money to better benefit our own country first, and once that is accomplished, we can invest in Exploration and Education, etc.
Posted by: alister.greenfieldNot enough benefit.
Global warming and food supply could use more money in order to solve these problems, and are a direct benefit to humans. We first visited the moon 50 years ago and still no direct benefit to mankind, other than pride. We could ensure a prosperous future for much more of mankind than a few elite.
Posted by: D.SuterPeople are Dying
Spend the money on people who are dying from poverty and illnesses. Spend the money giving people jobs and better quality lives. We should focus on improving the present, not spending billions of dollars on trying to improve the future- something that's not even guaranteed. We are literally burning money. And then what? What will we do after we've landed on Mars or Saturn? Spend time and effort trying to get back the money we've just wasted on flying there!
Posted by: AnonymousHeck to the no!!!
We are in debt. We can't be spending more and more money on something that is stupid, like a rocket that will be gone in a matter of weeks, more or less!! If we keep sending things up there, the universe will be filled with space junk like rockets and satellites!!
Posted by: AnonymousNASA is a waste of money.
We could use the money for bigger problems that are on Earth. Traveling in space seems like a waste since so much could go wrong. There are already so many things on this planet that are worth fixing and spending money on like starvation, homelessness and helping girls get out of prostitution.
Posted by: AnonymousNo work, no play.
The problem is that NASA is essentially a government entity without a clear vision. It is FUBAR upside and downside. Please read the reviews of NASA completed by the National Academies of Science, the nations body of leading scientists. They pointed out that NASA is severely flawed, and that it would take radical action to make it productive once again. If the Big Dog scientists are pointing this out, shouldn't we all be a little worried. For those of us who work closely with NASA, there is a pervasive sense that NASA has outlived its usefulness, and only now exists as a PR stunt for the US, and as the means by which the largest percentage of pork belly funding is dished out to states. Indeed, a larger percentage of NASA funding is directly dictated by representatives to their own voting districts. The NASA budget is extraordinarily bloated, and the agency is not producing.
Posted by: AnonymousEarth is Home
Earth is where humans live and we should be finding out more about Earth rather than space. Sure, if we find a planet that could sustain life that would be great, but have we ever stopped to think that there was a possibility to live underwater? Also, they don't have the money anymore, which means more taxes for us! One more thing: NASA is not seeing very many results in the last 5 or so years. That is my argument.
Posted by: AnonymousShould America keep funding NASA? No.
Should we keep funding NASA? I think the answer to that is no. True, we should have the freedom to explore space. We should be able to do that. But we know just enough to keep us safe. We can tell when space objects are heading towards us or when we are in danger. I think we should do it when America isn't in trillions and trillions of dollars in debt. We should focus on the more important problems in America right now.
Posted by: AnonymousWe have bigger priorities.
I grew up as a Star Trek and Star Wars fan. I'm a huge geek and very interested in space and space exploration. That being said, I just can't ethically or morally justify the amount of money we are spending on NASA.
We have failing schools, crumbling infrastructure, people under served from a medical perspective. NASA just doesn't make the priority list to me. Yes, NASA does some cool stuff, but can we really afford to spent $20 billion a year on cool stuff when we have so many other priorities?
Yes, inventions out of NASA projects HAVE found alternate uses and fueled our economy, but there are also many that haven't. Wouldn't it be better to funnel money into targeted research at solving our real problems? Like research into solving obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc.
Don't get me wrong, while I feel money spent on NASA is not wisely spent given our limited resources, there are also other (some much larger) culprits. I would also disband our standing Army, and focus on a much smaller, conscription service that focuses ONLY on defense of American soil. We need to focus every penny we have on education, healthcare and infrastructure of the future, and stop pissing our future away on little wars and space exploration.Posted by: Anonymouswe got more important things to do.....
OK, seriously? We don't immediately need another planet to live on another 5 billion years, and come on, what about our ever-escalating national debt? How about education, poverty, world poverty, cancer research, hospitals etc.... With so much to worry about do we really need to worry about space right now?
Posted by: AnonymousWe live here so why care about outer space?
With trillions of dollars of debt, going into outer space will only land America in even greater trouble. Why don't we focus on the world in which we live in. We have to fix problems we started on Earth (global warming), before we can consider ourselves responsible enough to take on outer space.
Posted by: AnonymousMore Important Things
There are more important things to worry about. What about homeless people or cancer? We just cant leave those things alone. That almost 17 billion dollar budget NASA has could be curing cancer and feeding the less fortunate. That is why we should not keep continuing the space program. Thank you
Posted by: AnonymousWhy are you doing this to yourself, America?
There's always "enough money." The problem is, the money is often coming out of pockets other than our own. Do we really want to keep dipping out of other countries' pockets just to satisfy our Curiosity? Spending money on NASA is like giving money to a child for candy; you get the satisfaction of the child's smile, but that piece of candy did virtually nothing to satisfy that child's hunger. One thing that really bothers me in this country is seeing people under 18 with smart phones. Not all the time, just when I know that the family doesn't make so much that they should be paying 100 dollars a month for the best data plan. On the other hand, people making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year can most likely afford the hundred dollars. Connecting this to countries, the United States is the "poor" family that pays first for the iPhone 5, then for the expensive data plan. Then, there's China, the wealthy family who can buy a Samsung Galaxy S4 with no financial difficulties. When you think about the trillions of dollars that the United States owes, the 18 million dollar annual cost that we spend on NASA isn't that much. Even I admit it. However, I refuse to accept that this cost isn't significant. The average American makes less than 40,000 dollars a year, meaning it would take them over 450 years to make 18 million dollars. All that work just to pay for one year of NASA. Think about it.
Posted by: AnonymousIt costs 100 billion dollars to create the international space station.
They could donate just about 10 billion dollars to a charity ( Thats only 1 tenth of a space station) and if they give it to Africa it will give them water and food and shelter same thing if they give it to Hati and other places that have povertey in them (serious poverty not hobos)
Posted by: AnonymousWe shouldn't spend money on space.
Why should we be spending all our precious money on space? It`s like throwing it in the garbage can. I believe it`s a total waste. Why should we spend all our valuable money on space probes when we might die by getting hit by an asteroid. How is this fair?
Posted by: AnonymousThe US should not fund NASA.
We need to help others in need like people that are poor they need the money. All the money gets thrown away because most ships do not get finished after there half way done. If we stop then we do not have to be so competitive with the Russians and the Chinese.
Posted by: badazz22In regards to government funding, I don't think America needs to continue funding NASA, because commercially-funded space programs are the next big step.
I am very excited about the future of space travel. That being said, I'm not worried about the American government continuing to fund NASA. I think that, as the wanderlust of the average citizen extends into space, space travel will be funded privately. There is a future need to further understand our solar system and the galaxy. I don't think this need will be a lost opportunity for private investors to send more machines, creatures, and people into space.
Posted by: ColdEmmanuel92Why are we wasting money on thsi?!
we know there are planets and moon. there are so many people in the world with no money and no food but we are wasting money to give to NASA when they keep failing. We should save our people instead of starving them for a stupid space experiment. not cool america.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Advantage that NASA has had in the United States, by further developing technology, has been supreme and exciting, there are larger, more important factors at hand. America should, right now, be focused on getting on a better economical level before worrying about any further advances in technology. Once this issue has been handled, then further exploring with space and technology will be an adventurous and wise choice.
Posted by: AnonymousWe Are Drawn Back To Where We Came From
The main argument I see from the opposite end is simply that the poor should be given clothes and food and that 20 billions of dollars shouldn't be spent on space flight but on more concerning issues thank God that back then people still have the courage to understand and the intelligence to understand that we cant eradicate poverty in America and we won't simply because we are a capitalist society this is our way of living. If you don't like it go to China lets see how you like it. Simple things such as pacemakers for hearts and solar panels which nowadays power most companies saving the country from pollution. They say that there are more concerning issues right now, well there has been concerning issues since Adam and Eve if you believe in that and that did not stop the Soviets and the US from spending billions of dollars to arrive at the same answer. The main issue with NASA budget it that it doesn't not follow what it should follow in the sense of goals and morals, if NASA and ROCOSMOS seized to exist and all the other space agencies became a single global one we wouldn't require to spend so much money for nothing. A rocket that is not flying until 2018 a space station that took more time to build than it will be on service its depressing and I look at all the space agencies with such disdain, space exploration should benefit all of mankind not used for arenas for meaningless competitions.
Ronald Reagan once said "we fought a war against poverty and poverty won" as much as we hate to admit if we spent that money on curing diseases and improving the quality of life in other places our planet already over populated wouldn't last a year. This world that we live in is natural selection played out a grand scale, not everyone can be Bill Gates we need the poor for the rich to exist, this is not communism this is Capitalism and money should be spent on the infrastructure of the school system to see weather that would fix the education in the US because teachers are not essentially the main problem as proved already by many studies.
Space Exploration is essential, for mankind future presence in space, if we ever going to meet other civilizations then we need to go out there, Space Exploration shouldn't be about competition on who is better and who is not, we are trying to accomplish wonders, accomplish things that have never been done before so the next generation can take it forward, if we are not the pioneers of our era then we would just hold back the potential of mankind as a race to others, if we ever get to find another one.
Sorry for my bad writing as you can tell I'm not a native English speaker.Posted by: AnonymousThe World that We Live on is Unexplored.
We have an unexplored Earth and they want to go to space to figure out what's up there. Maybe we should focus more on what's down here. We waste tons of money on them to figure out how the planets are moving and how far away planets are. Well why can't we get to the bottom of our oceans? Both space and the ocean is pressured.
Posted by: 002690279NASA has wasted at least 17 billion dollars per year in missions.
Not only that, but NASA has spent 20 billion dollars on cancelled projects. That money wasted could have been put to better use! Furthermore, NASA focuses on Mars a lot, but they should not be worrying about planets other than Earth. A healthy Earth should be our top priority - not Mars or any other planet.
Posted by: NOTONASAIt Should Not.
We should not be spending that much money on a program when it can be used for something else. A compromise is needed. We can spend half of the money for the program and the other half for medical care and other needed supplies. I believe that this is a great way to keep the program going and help people who need it.
Posted by: AnonymousThe future Money makers
NASA helps us find nothing but facts about space, which we have enough of. If they would give more money to education, the government would become richer because kids in school are the future money makers. Yes, NASA helps us when a meteor is coming, but who cares about the places farther? They need to focus on Earth before anything else.
Posted by: AnonymousRight now, spending money on NASA is not economically possible.
What is going to become of the world if all the developed countries continue spending by the billions, money that the governments do not actually have? Why not make a tremendous effort to get the economy on the road to recovery first, and when we start seeing results and our debts are almost paid off, then we can go back to playing with our "favorite toys" again. Personally, I would rather feed the starving and educate underprivileged children of our mother earth, they are our future! If we cannot take proper care of ONE planet, our planet, what gives us the right to believe that we can interfere with space?
I recommend that, if there is life out there, anywhere, we should invite them here, to help us put things right on our poor, long suffering planet.Posted by: AnonymousThe costs of one space shuttle are immense.
One and a half million lives lost for wont of anti-malarial bed nets. It is electricity to power a U.S. city of two million people for a year. It is nine-hundred billion gallons of fresh drinking water produced by desalination. We pay for a single shuttle launch with fifty million bushels of wheat.
Posted by: AnonymousNo they shouldn't because they already waste so much money.
NASA has wasted at least 17 billion dollars per year in missions. Not only that but NASA has spend 20 billion dollars on cancelled projects, that money wasted could of had a better use! Those 20 billion dollars is money gone directly to the trash. Furthermore, NASA focuses on Mars a lot, NASA should not be worrying about other planets but Earth. A healthy Earth should be our top priority NOT Mars or any other planet.
Posted by: Anonymous