Why does nasa need more funding

Arguably, this relatively small investment provides a greater dollar-for-dollar economic and strategic return than any other civilian government program. Strategically, on the international stage, manned spaceflight demonstrates to the world what the U.

Countries recognize the United States as the respected leader in peaceful international cooperation in human and robotic spaceflight capability. However, in recent years, countries like China and India have invested heavily in their respective space programs. I believe it is essential that the U. From the early days of Apollo to the newest challenges presented by Constellation, engineers, chemists and physicists have had to solve highly complex problems, commonly resulting in breakthrough technologies.

From space-based capabilities like communications, weather monitoring, remote sensing and global positioning system GPS navigation to medical devices, treatments and computer enhancements, NASA-developed technologies have infiltrated the market. Moreover, according to the Coalition for Space Exploration, NASA programs and the contractors who support them represent approximately a half-million highly skilled and highly paid American jobs.

As ranking member of the Science and Technology Committee, I am particularly concerned that NASA is on a path to retire the Space Shuttle without having developed, in a timely manner, the next generation of Constellation launch systems. Note: Lessons 3 - 5 of The Planetary Society's free online course, Space Advocacy , explore this topic at greater depth.

The majority of spending by the United States government pays for social welfare programs and is not subject to annual congressional approval. This spending is referred to as "mandatory". The Defense Department and related activities account for roughly half of all discretionary spending.

All other government agencies and activities—including NASA—are funded from the remaining amount. In this chart, shades of blue represent mandatory spending programs; shades of orange are discretionary programs that require annual appropriations by Congress.

NASA spends its money on Earth, not in space. NASA employs about 17, people and supports the employment of tens of thousands more through contracts and grants made in every state of the union.

Last year NASA spent The Journal of Technology Transfers. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile.

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