I have often had to justify why going into space is a good idea and use of resources when we have so many other problems. Here are some reasons.
But first, a matter of scale. The estimated federal budget for FY 2007 was 2.7 trillion dollars. Trillion, as in 1000 billion. The estimated NASA budget adjusted for inflation $17.2 billion. For that year, NASA consumed 0.6% of the Federal budget. Not even a whole percentage point for the national agency directed to lead us into the next stage of human technological development.
In exchange for 0.6% of the federal budget, you get a space program, national pride, economic stimulation, and a slew of inventions that you get to use and no royalties are charged!
- Mechanical teats Increasing farm efficiency through high technology.
- Orbital crop management by way of Landsat keeps an eye on crop yields and fish harvesting.
- Crop dusting performance improvements.
Coming up next, NASA at the mall (sort of).