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This year marked the retirement of NASA’s manned space vehicles. The shuttles served us for over 20 years, which is more than they were intended for. Now when NASA needs a lift into space they turn to Russia’s space program and they hitch a ride with them. This has sparked controversy from many people and I think it’s time for me to weigh in on the subject.
I believe space exploration is the most important area of science today. The biggest reason for this, I believe, is that aerospace research spins off so many other innovative technologies. So much of our modern technology was first pioneered by NASA and other space exploration organizations for use in space and has since been adapted to more terrestrial uses.
Some people (including famous astronaut Buzz Aldrin) have said that we need to keep sending people into space to stay ahead in the space race. The other side of the argument is that the US has enough economic troubles as is and should concentrate on local matters instead of paying for an expensive space program. My views lie in between them.
I agree with Aldrin that our space program is vital to the country, if not the entire world. What I do not agree with is the need to send people into space at this time. NASA is aggressively pursuing unmanned missions to other planets and moons in the solar system as we speak. For now this is enough to keep us in the game as it were, and make important scientific discoveries.
On the topic of our country not being able to afford space, this is a much uninformed viewpoint in my opinion. The space program in the United States creates jobs in aerospace research and manufacturing. Not only that, but as stated before, it helps companies created new technologies which they can then turn to other applications. Without our space program large segments of our economy would collapse. If anything our space budget should be significantly higher than it is.
With all that said, I do think we need to send people back into space with a reusable vehicle like the retired shuttles. Boeing is currently working on a number of options for this and should be available in the foreseeable future. Our future of humanity depends on the success of our being able to explore the stars. While we may not be able to afford it now, we will again soon and we should be prepared.
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