On saving NASA

I noticed a new Twitter hashtag this morning for the first time: #SaveNASA I love rallying cries.

I also love the huge list of things that the world benefits from as a result of NASA over the last 50 years.

BUT (come on, you knew there was a BUT in here)

Making lists of things accomplished in the past isn’t enough to get programs funded for the future. They are a by-product of other goals.

Great by products, but they are still by-products. The result of something else.

By-products don’t get billions of dollars in funding. The chance of some by-products is also not a good motivator.

Programs that have vague half hearted goals don’t get the American people’s support. Without public support, congress has a difficult time giving a program money.

It’s the reality of the situation, whether or not you think it’s right or fair.

We need our leaders to make a decision about the space program. A bold decision that motivates entire generations to step up to a common goal. To become something bigger than we are.

Only that will save NASA.

Archived Comments

Sekhmara (2009-11-18 15:52:15):

While that is indeed true, that by products do not a space program fund, it does give people some idea of what goes on. People think things stopped after the lunar landing. I have had people tell me NASA just does Pentagon work, or “what has NASA done for me lately?” Yes, someone actually said that.The average American probably will not rally behind a “we're going to Mars!” Sad, but most likely true.People need to excited about exploration again, and they need to be involved.Nice article : )

Sekhmara (2009-11-18 19:52:15):

While that is indeed true, that by products do not a space program fund, it does give people some idea of what goes on. People think things stopped after the lunar landing. I have had people tell me NASA just does Pentagon work, or “what has NASA done for me lately?” Yes, someone actually said that.The average American probably will not rally behind a “we're going to Mars!” Sad, but most likely true.People need to excited about exploration again, and they need to be involved.Nice article : )

tavigreiner (2009-11-18 16:19:48):

I like your approach with this - you make an excellent point - and I think it'd be even better if you were more specific about those “half-hearted goals” and which decisions are not being made. The more informed people are, the more likely they are to join the cause.

mrdoornbos (2009-11-18 20:22:58):

I may do a more detailed article on Evadot on your point. I'm re-saying a lot of what I've written this year on this though

mrdoornbos (2009-11-18 19:55:12):

excellent points :-)

tavigreiner (2009-11-18 20:19:48):

I like your approach with this - you make an excellent point - and I think it'd be even better if you were more specific about those “half-hearted goals” and which decisions are not being made. The more informed people are, the more likely they are to join the cause.

mrdoornbos (2009-11-18 15:55:12):

excellent points :-)

mrdoornbos (2009-11-18 16:22:58):

I may do a more detailed article on Evadot on your point. I'm re-saying a lot of what I've written this year on this though