ready to sacrifice pride for money?
From a logical point of view, there are plenty of projects on Earth that requires our attention.
For example the environmental issues or the job scarcity. And since budget cut is not permanent why
argue so much about it? In fact only the Constellation programs has been canceled not the research
programs. And if it is (constellation programs) of that importance why can't private organizations play a role?
Sabera 2
As a nation of mixed economy private organization's role can not be underplayed. Dr Peter
Dimandis founder of the X-prize foundation, known for personal space flight industry completely
agrees with the notion. He draws analogy between the acquisition of Alaska from Russians with the
private organization's effort to launch. There are large quantities of minerals available in space. For
instance, S-type- a composition of Iron, Magnesium, Platinum and other metals is worth more than $20
trillion. (Dimandis W3). He also points that if the US space shuttle turns down, to launch American
astronauts Russian help will be needed at the cost of $50 million per person where as the space shuttle
cost around $750 to 2 billion.
From the point Dimandis made it seems logical to let the private sector take over space but there are
always two sides of a coin. The rate of success of the private sector in the launch business is extremely
low. Over the past 30 years more than a dozen company tried to launch but only one company made
some decent moves. Take for instance the Lockheed Martins shuttle in 1996, the failed design cost the
government $912 million and Martin #357 million.( Dinerman W3). Overall point is since there is no
guarantee that private efforts into space will succeed it is irrational depend on them Also
commercialization of space will focus on knowledge as much as it would on profit. Which directly
contradicts the 5th outer space treaty under article 1 of space law. “ (The controversial Agreement
Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (the Moon Treaty)
designates space as the "common heritage of mankind," not merely the "province of mankind"
when commercializing space Government needs to make sure that private companies remember this
well.
Lets track this back historically. The role play of Sputnik( first Earth orbiting satellite by
Russia)in the birth of NASA is well known to all. As President Kennedy first articulated his goal in
1961- that this nation shall commit itself to achieve a goal of landing a man on moon, NASA was in
full swing.(Kennedy). His dream was fulfilled eight years later when Apollo 11 first landed the first
human on Moon. Then the expectation from NASA rose even higher for President Ronald Reagan.
Reagan wanted NASA to develop a permanently manned space station with in a decade. NASA's
exploration continued, not even the loss of space shuttle Columbia(which cost approximately $145
billion) jaded the enthusiasm about space travel. Then in 2004 president George W Bush introduced the
third goal- to return to the moon by 2020 “to establish an extended human presence” on the moon,
otherwise known as the Constellation program. All along the way America went through the recession
of 60's, stagflation of the 70s , America recovered from the “Black Monday” in the 80s and fought
savings and loan crisis in the 90s- but the goal of space travel was hardly derailed. To America NASA
is not just a research institution , it is a dream fuel-ar, dream converter. Although it is a symbol of pride
for the Americans , NASA inspires people world wide.
A kid grows up dreaming to become an astronaut to travel to space not a businessman to
resolve America's economy crisis. America owe so much to NASA- for making it the first Nation to
send man on Moon, for inventing bar code scanners, cordless screwdrivers, for being the ultimate
sci-tech symbol last but not the least for shedding a positive light that illuminates the brighter America.
Americas impression internationally is anything but enviable. Baseless education system, rising
health problems, worsening economy, a 14 figure national debt, two recent wars- all collaborated
opportunely. But America still hold the number one position in Space technology ( thanks to NASA and
the generous government funding). Therefore cutting down NASA's budget or cancellation of the
Constellation program (which would make $9 billion go down the drain) just to make the competition
with Russia and China easier seems a little impractical.
In the fiscal year $18.7 billion has been proposed whereas in the same year 2010 $159.7 billion was
spent. While canceling the “back to moon project” due to current economic condition how come
Government spent a huge sum for the war? With the finite amount of tax payers money Government
needs to set up the priority.
Sabera 5
Every single penny spent for the space is actually spent for the Earth. Think about the NASA
creates the technology it inaugurates. Space exploration is not far fetched now, it is rather an integral
part. Private enterprises therefore should be given a chance to contribute with in the Government
regulation. Yes there are more pressing issues in the world and yes the country is going through a
critical period but America as a Nation can not undermine the great legacy that it earned.
Citation
Diamandis, By Peter. "The Case for Private Space - WSJ.com."Business News & Financial News - The Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703382904575059350409331536.html>
"US Economy Timeline."New York News, Traffic, Sports, Weather, Photos, Entertainment, and Gossip - NY Daily News. Web. 17 Nov. 2010. <http://www.nydailynews.com/money/useconomytimeline/index.html>.
"Understanding the President’s FY 2011 Budget."Economic Policy Institute. Web. 17 Nov. 2010. <http://www.epi.org/publications/entry/ib273/>.
"Budget Cuts Launch Debate on NASA's Future | PBS NewsHour | Feb. 2, 2010 | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 17 Nov. 2010. <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june10/nasa_02-02.html>.
Smith, Marcia. "Space Law." Space Policy Online. Web.
Synthesis essay
What issues should be considered most important is making decisions about space exploration?
Sabera Buhara R1
Mr Weintraut
11/19/10