I find nearly all money going to space research to be better served elsewhere. What good is it to the starving people in the third world that we've managed to collect a bit of rock and dust from mars?

Space research often leads to other advances, such as a ray that disintegrates people who post on 7 year old questions

i have one.

f*ck space

research the ocean

i think space research is important

however, befor we try and "expand", we should take care of our problems on the planet we're actually living on at the moment

The money spent on th space progam is tiny. Less than 1% of the overall budget. The benefits are enormous. Not only in terms of our increased knowledge of the universe but in terms of real world technologies that result from the space program.

From smoke detectors to emergency rescue cutters (the jaws of life) through airline wheelchairs and the GPS system.

Life has been made a lot better thanks to space research.

I agree 100% with Brunnen

Hailing from a town who's economy depends on the space program (in both operation & tourism), of course I'm goong to be dubious about any budget cuts in that area. Judging by the posted article, at least Obama is re-diverting the funds from the cancelled moon trip into rocketry (I think magnetic-driven launch systems warrant more research than that, though).

The entire Shuttle fleet will soon be retired, but there's no launch vehicle to replace it in the near future. There's going to be a long dry spell when it comes to space exploration- especially of the manned/(womanned) variety)

Many in my town are employed by NASA & are worried about their job security. While I'm sure there will still be unmanned routine rocket launches to deliver private satallites, the national space program is going to take a hiatus.

It's not only localized concern about the economy of my town that dissapoints me about NASA funding cuts & long waiting periods between new launch vehicles. I view it as a national disadvantage. To be sure, this is a completely different era than the Cold War when space exploration was more about trying to pwn the Soviets than scientific advances- but this kind of rivalry had its benefits.

Not only did the U.S. glean technological advances, but it inspired the country with a sense of discovery & excitement. It was good for national morale. What's more, to paraphrase explorer Mallory'sanswer about Everest, why explore space at all? Because its there!

Understandably, the economy is in a sh%tty state, & the space program isn't exactly a top-of-the-list priority ATM. I'm just advocating it continue in some shape or form- even if its earthbound research & development.

Despite the fact that these spacrecraft would have given work to thousands of Americans - for a man of supposed "VISION" to cancel this program is incredibly myopic. Much of that $100 billion will simply be swallowed up, on some other stupid and useless program (Obama gave away $100 million to Haiti already, and "cash for clunkers" cost $3 billion for no effect.) A poor leader, probably the worst POTUS ever.

On Thursday 2/4/10 - 9:09:38 AM Brunnen_G wrote: The money spent on th space progam is tiny. Less than 1% of the overall budget. The benefits are enormous. Not only in terms of our increased knowledge of the universe but in terms of real world technologies that result from the space program. From smoke detectors to emergency rescue cutters (the jaws of life) through airline wheelchairs and the GPS system. Life has been made a lot better thanks to space research.

That just seems a little too logical for most people who oppose the space program.

On Thursday 2/4/10 - 9:09:38 AM Brunnen_G wrote: The money spent on th space progam is tiny. Less than 1% of the overall budget. The benefits are enormous. Not only in terms of our increased knowledge of the universe but in terms of real world technologies that result from the space program. From smoke detectors to emergency rescue cutters (the jaws of life) through airline wheelchairs and the GPS system. Life has been made a lot better thanks to space research.

On Thursday 2/4/10 - 9:11:52 AM morbo wrote: I agree 100% with Brunnen

Holy crap, I do too!!!

On Thursday 2/4/10 - 12:00:12 AM hamletsghost wrote: I find nearly all money going to space research to be better served elsewhere. What good is it to the starving people in the third world that we've managed to collect a bit of rock and dust from mars?

Why should the US, or any other country, feel obligated to fix third world blight at the expense of their own research?