I. Introduction
A. Thesis Statement
Neil Armstrong 's 1969 lunar landing was one of humanity 's greatest accomplishments. Since then, we have found that an infinite supply of knowledge and resources await us just outside our atmosphere. Today, however, critics are beginning to argue more and more that the cost of space exploration is too high, and therefore new technological developments should be left to the private sector. Whether funded privately or by the government, funding of space exploration is imperative because NASA is essentially the only agency with the technological capabilities to support aircraft manufacturing, air safety and air transportation. Space exploration has also resulted in remarkable innovations that has played a key role in aeronautics research, preventative medicine, and allows scientists to study asteroids, along with other space debris and their impacts on Earth.
II. Body Paragraph 1 – Topic Sentence 1
With the threat of Congress cutting NASA 's budget, the United State 's sixty year preeminence in space exploration is in serious peril..
A. Supporting Evidence
In the 2013 article “Budget Gains For Physical Sciences Will Be Uncertain At Best”, Kramer states: “The President has proposed a combination of tax increases and cuts to entitlement programs to pay for the increased spending. Leadership of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has made clear its opposition to tax increases.” (para. 3).
B. Explanation
NASA is a large
While many people support funding NASA and agree with the organization’s goals, there a good number of people who do not. A common reason for this is that they believe that the space program should focus on discovering things that can benefit us immediately, not in the future. This is a valid argument because there
Where the World Wars and commercialization allowed aviation to develop from the Wrights’ simple aircraft, to large commercial plane, to extremely complex military aircraft. Today, reorganized to form NASA, its main goal is the advancement of space technology and the human exploration of space. Using the private companies to commercialize low-orbit travel and the development of better rocketry, NASA can focus on deep exploration. NASA believes that commercialization is not only a method to be cost effective, but help raise the number of crew aboard the ISS, provide new economic frontiers in space travel, and brings the frontier to civilians. In the near future, with the aid of space commercialization and NASA research, astronauts and spacecraft will become independent of Earth. Meaning, that astronauts and spacecraft will no longer need to reenter Earth’s orbit for resupplies, but are able to self-sustain their systems. This will enable humanity to push further into the depths of space, beyond the asteroid belt or even
The year is 1969. Richard M. Nixon’s first year as America’s 37th President has just begun; the Beatles have just released their iconic album and album cover, Abbey Road; most importantly, the Apollo 11 astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., have taken the first step on the moon (“What” 1). Approximately 47 years ago when the world was beginning to modernize and spring to new heights, people’s interest for the place beyond Earth also emerged. This, then, prompted the U.S., amongst several other countries, to begin the race to space, marking the beginning of the long journey of space discoveries. Years later, with several environmentalists counting the days till Earth’s expiration day, it seems necessary that humans find an alternate
“The current spending is only 0.4% of the U.S. budget, in 2005 it was 0.7%. This is an important question, not just for me but for the entire concerned human race. Because the NASA program is a key to the defense of not only this country, but the planet and the humans that seclude in it. In addition, NASA has recently discovered signs of water on Mars, and I think this is a valid reason. Also, the NASA funding cuts take a toll by reducing its employment; in which it affects the economy significantly.
America’s space program is undoubtedly one of its greatest modern achievements. Few people cannot recall the famous quote “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” or do not know where it came from. The story leading up to the moment a man walked on the moon, as well as everything that came after, is just as interesting and important as the moment itself. The significance of the history of America’s aeronautics programs cannot possibly be overestimated, and their story is one that is incredibly important to the modern world of today. It would not be the nation that it is, with the technology it possesses, without its crucial involvement in the “space race”. If the technology that sent a man to the moon did not exist, our daily lives would be impacted and basic tools would be missing. Beginning with America’s first official aeronautics organization, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (or NACA) and continuing through to the present day and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (or NASA), the story of America’s aerospace programs is interesting and extremely important. It is a story that spans many years and giant leaps in technology, and involves important locations like Wallops Flight Facility and Kennedy Space Center. From the early beginnings of NACA and Wallops, and continuing on to the rise and success of NASA and Kennedy Space Center, aeronautics
Throughout America’s history, pioneers have ventured into the unknown. After the United States expanded to the Pacific Ocean, people invented machinery to travel into unknown areas. The inventions of Robert H. Goddard and others led to man’s discovery of space, (Launius 18-9). Roger D. Launius, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Chief Historian, recounts, “The combination of technological and scientific advance, the thrill of exploration, political competition with the Soviet Union, and changes in popular opinion about space flight came together in a very specific way in the 1950s to affect public policy in favor of an aggressive space program” (22). The United States had already spent $11.8 billion for space technology, but “the NSC determined that the cost of continuing the programs from 1957 to 1963 would be an additional $36 billion” so that the ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile] capability would become a reality” (Launius 22). Every year, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration spends billions of dollars for its programs, which is money well spent.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government dedicated to space research and exploration. Since its launch by then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, the world has come to owe a great deal to NASA for its advances in human curiosity and discovery. NASA requires research and collaboration on a global level, and employs highly-skilled people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including the military, medicine, and various science and engineering fields. It has been esteemed for decades as a leading authority on space science, making breakthroughs including exploring the geology and meteorology of planets and moons, viewing star clusters and neighboring galaxies, participating in the International Space Station, and providing compelling insight on the Earth’s climate in the face of climate change. Recently, the United States federal budget plan for 2017 has been released that significantly lowers NASA’s funding, and it is very problematic. This cut in spending will halt some of the agency’s finest efforts that will benefit the world in a remarkable way. Upon understanding the great work that NASA has achieved, not only should the government not cut spending on the space agency, but increase spending as one of the smartest investments the country has made.
Space technology has helped better our society in technological and inspirational ways. The majority of NASA’s technology has helped improve fields such as medical, transportation,
NASA has taken many giant leaps in spaceflight since Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon: The International Space Station was built, multiple rovers were sent to Mars, a spacecraft has landed on an asteroid, and we even have pictures of Pluto for the first time. NASA has accomplished some incredible projects that have inspired many and benefited the entire world with the research it has found. Unfortunately, it has recently encountered some setbacks that make it nearly impossible for the administration to continue in these ambitions. Due to cost, interests, and efficiency, it is time for the private sector to take control of the future of spaceflight.
Since the beginnings of our existence as a human race we have been exploring. We have sailed the globe and civilized wilderness frontiers. Now that we have completely explored the earth, we begin to look toward space. Exploring space is an enormous challenge that requires brilliant minds and leaps forward in technology. In order for space exploration to be successful we need it to be a priority. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has long been a pioneer in the field of space exploration, but due to changing political attitude it is at risk to lose much of its funding. NASA should not have its funding reduced because: NASA develops the technology that benefits the public; their missions bring countries together; they are developing technology we will need in the future; and the advance to progress of the human race. The future of humanity will depend on the technological innovations and the international cooperation that NASA facilitates.
In James Surowiecki's article, Big Space, Surowiecki discusses that in January of 2004 President Bush unveiled his plan to establish a moon base and send a manned expedition to Mars. Bush argued that it would advance in the understanding of the universe but he also stated that the economic would benefit from this. Bush’s plan sidesteps the budget question by proposing that all the spending be backloaded. Even though we all know that the funding is being used elsewhere, as stated in Billings article. In the first few years, the spending increases will be small, but at some point a moon base and a Mars shot will cost hundreds of billions of dollars, and someone will have to pay. Sure Bush gets credit for the big, bold idea, but his successors get the bill. Which still means less money for NASA.
“A Renewed Spirit of Discovery” was the title of President Bush’s speech for his vision of new Space Exploration. Since the debate was given on January 14, 2004, it has produced viable concerns from those who support and oppose the initiative. Arguments for and against it have appeared in all types of media, and more importantly in the minds of Americans. This Literature Review will discuss many of these beliefs in order to achieve a well-rounded, objective analysis of the issue. But before any opinions are put forth, it is always important to talk about the relative facts.
Fireworks were the first rocket ever invented in China, and the technology kept on advancing. During the World War II, the Nazi Germany saw the potential of long-distance rockets in use of war. This realization made it possible for the Germans to invent 200-mile range V-2 missile, which arched 60 miles high at more than 3,500 miles per hour, and was used to attack London late in World War II. After the World War II, the United States and Soviet Union operated their own missile programs, which later resulted as the Space Race and gave massive impact to the Cold War. The Soviet Union sent the first manned satellite, Vostok 1, into space on April 12, 1961, and Vostok 2, on August 1961, which was the satellite with first whole-day flight. Although US were making progress, they were barely catching up with the rate Russians were advancing. So in 1961, President John F. Kennedy declared a national goal of “landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth within a decade.” And within a decade on July 20, 1969, Astronaut Neil Armstrong took the first on the moon.
The 20th century was an era of innovation and notable achievements in man’s pursuit to break the bonds of earth’s gravity. In this span of time man went from struggling to make human flight a reality to setting foot on the surface of the moon. The initial endeavor, to launch mankind beyond the stratosphere, began mid way through the century with 2 nations competing for the right to plant their flag on the surface of the moon. The lunar space race gave birth to national aerospace organizations, such as NASA, and inspired dreamers all over the globe for generations. NASA and other aerospace organizations have continued to conduct space bound research but financial budget cuts, growing safety concerns and dwindling support has made space exploration
The continued launching of spacecraft by NASA and other national space organizations however, as this essay intends to demonstrate, is an antiquity that is nearing the end of its usefulness. The appropriation of space launch capabilities by the private industry is fundamental to increased accessibility to space; furthermore, it is essential for the long-term health of the scientific pursuits to which NASA is dedicated.