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Originally Posted by razark
The money spent by NASA goes to two things. It pays wages, and it buys products.
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You are making two faulty assumptions.
1. Canceling manned space programs does not mean canceling all programs. The unmanned programs still need workers.
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One of the greatest benefits of the space program is the advancement of technology. Many products are developed from technology originally designed for spaceflight. Research in computers, robotics, medicine, materials, processes, and so on have been are still are being done by NASA.
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2. You are assuming that these technologies were linked exclusively to the manned space program. This has not been demonstrated. Unmanned research in space will also garner technological breakthroughs.
As I wrote, I am generally in favour of space exploration. If we were not saddled with two expensive wars, an economy that more through luck than skill managed to avoid the becoming the really great depression, and our spending habits for the last 15 years or so, I would be in favour of us pressing on with manned space exploration.
I just don't think it is the right time now.
I just wonder how many on this forum would have also complained if President Obama announced some big expensive manned space program? How many here would be complaining about another big government program, technological welfare, irresponsible spending?
In my opinion, we simply can't afford it at this time. Maybe in a few years when we get a little more recovered economically.
I want our decisions about manned space exploration to be made when it is economically responsible. Not when some old astronauts predict that we will become "a "second or even third-rate" status as a space-faring nation", as if this would be some terrible thing.
When we get on firmer economic ground, then to infinity and beyond. Until then, let's pay our bills first. Space can wait.