On saving NASA « Michael Doornbos

18Nov/098

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.

Enjoy this article?

Consider subscribing to our rss feed!

Filed under: Think, space Leave a comment

Comments (8) Trackbacks (0) ( subscribe to comments on this post )

Sekhmara
November 18th, 2009 - 10:52

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 : )
mrdoornbos
November 18th, 2009 - 10:55

excellent points
tavigreiner
November 18th, 2009 - 11:19

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
November 18th, 2009 - 11:22

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
Sekhmara
November 18th, 2009 - 14:52

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 : )
mrdoornbos
November 18th, 2009 - 14:55

excellent points
tavigreiner
November 18th, 2009 - 15:19

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
November 18th, 2009 - 15:22

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