Should the U.S. spend money on a Space Program?

[dbackjon]

Space exploration is clearly not mentioned in the Constitution.

NASA budget is around $19 Billion/year.

Most would agree that space exploration is cool, but should we be spending Federal Tax Dollars on it?


Small Government types - is this something that since not specifically Constitutionally mandated, should go?

[Appaholic]

No & Yes. No, we should not stop space exploration as it's pursuit has lead to the residual development of computer technology. Yes, it wouldn't hurt to have private entities take over the burden long term as it is becoming less a necessity of national security (Space Race of the '50's & '60's) and the government has more immediate priorities.

[grizzaholic]

I like the pictures.

[UNI88]

Space exploration is clearly not mentioned in the Constitution.

NASA budget is around $19 Billion/year.

Most would agree that space exploration is cool, but should we be spending Federal Tax Dollars on it?


Small Government types - is this something that since not specifically Constitutionally mandated, should go?

I'm no expert but my understanding is that the space program has been beneficial by pushing the scientific envelope with innovations that were spun off into the private sector creating wealth and jobs and bettering peoples lives. If this is true and continues then the space program is a worthwhile investment.

[Ivytalk]

$19 billion is a drop in the bucket these days. I think space exploration is a worthwhile program for scientific knowledge gains alone: astrophysics, chemistry, etc. If billionaires want to subsidize a mission in exchange for a "free" flight, that's OK with me, too.

[Appaholic]

$19 billion is a drop in the bucket these days. I think space exploration is a worthwhile program for scientific knowledge gains alone: astrophysics, chemistry, etc. If billionaires want to subsidize a mission in exchange for a "free" flight, that's OK with me, too.

Agree considering what has been achieved through funding of this research....I'd be more inclined to eliminate money from more dubious projects....like the Peripheral Canal.....

[Cap'n Cat]

Only if we can ship Conks to the moon.

[Appaholic]

Only if we can ship GOP to the moon.

Really, influence-wise, aren't they essentially there now......

[Cap'n Cat]

Only if we can ship GOP to the moon.

Really, influence-wise, aren't they essentially there now......

I like our Conks, John. They aren't too bad.


LMAO @ Z now, though, for devolving from Republican Conk to Libertarian Conk, primarily to distance himself from the stink.

[Appaholic]

Really, influence-wise, aren't they essentially there now......

I like our Conks, John. They aren't too bad.


LMAO @ Z now, though, for devolving from Republican Conk to Libertarian Conk, primarily to distance himself from the stink.

Kind of hard to be a Liberterian Conk when your man for prez is embraced by alot of the "Social" Democrats...

[citdog]

yes we should spend the money....we have run out of non-whites here on earth to oppress and force to become Christians against their will.

[Wedgebuster]

We should go to the moon, for reals this time.

[BlueHen86]

We should go to the moon, for reals this time.

[AZGrizFan]

Really, influence-wise, aren't they essentially there now......

I like our Conks, John. They aren't too bad.


LMAO @ Z now, though, for devolving from Republican Conk to Libertarian Conk, primarily to distance himself from the stink.

Hey, fuckstick, just becuase YOU think I'm a conk doesn't make me a conk. I've always had libertarian views, just didn't feel like wasting my vote.

So, in summary, fuck you and the horse you rode in on.

[AZGrizFan]

I like our Conks, John. They aren't too bad.


LMAO @ Z now, though, for devolving from Republican Conk to Libertarian Conk, primarily to distance himself from the stink.

Kind of hard to be a Liberterian Conk when your man for prez is embraced by alot of the "Social" Democrats...

And fuck you too, Appy. It's becuase of people like you we're stuck with 4 years of Obama.

[Grizalltheway]

I like our Conks, John. They aren't too bad.


LMAO @ Z now, though, for devolving from Republican Conk to Libertarian Conk, primarily to distance himself from the stink.

Hey, fuckstick, just becuase YOU think I'm a conk doesn't make me a conk. I've always had libertarian views, just didn't feel like wasting my vote.

So, in summary, fuck you and the horse you rode in on.

I'm a republican. It already has.

[grizzaholic]

Hey, fuckstick, just becuase YOU think I'm a conk doesn't make me a conk. I've always had libertarian views, just didn't feel like wasting my vote.

So, in summary, fuck you and the horse you rode in on.

I'm a republican. It already has.

Ummmmmmmmm....Welllll...... Yeah so......hummmm....

[AZGrizFan]

Hey, fuckstick, just becuase YOU think I'm a conk doesn't make me a conk. I've always had libertarian views, just didn't feel like wasting my vote.

So, in summary, fuck you and the horse you rode in on.

I'm a republican. It already has.

Fuck you too, Junior. You do NOT want to be lumped in with Fat Man and Little Boy.

[D1B]

I like our Conks, John. They aren't too bad.


LMAO @ Z now, though, for devolving from Republican Conk to Libertarian Conk, primarily to distance himself from the stink.

Hey, fuckstick, just becuase YOU think I'm a conk doesn't make me a conk. I've always had libertarian views, just didn't feel like wasting my vote.

So, in summary, fuck you and the horse you rode in on.

Backpeddlin, lying motherfucker. How do you live with yourself?

[HI54UNI]

Hey, ****, just becuase YOU think I'm a conk doesn't make me a conk. I've always had libertarian views, just didn't feel like wasting my vote.

So, in summary, **** you and the horse you rode in on.

Backpeddlin, lying motherfucker. How do you live with yourself?

You ever seen a pic of his wife's tits?

[ATrain]

Back on topic, can't we sell advertising slots on the side of rockets to help make up for some of the space program's cost? I mean, really, wouldn't the space shuttle look much cooler if it resembled a NASCAR car instead of that boring white color scheme?

I am also in favor of the space program b/c without it, we wouldn't have microwave ovens, which would severely impair my cooking abilities.

[AZGrizFan]

Hey, fuckstick, just becuase YOU think I'm a conk doesn't make me a conk. I've always had libertarian views, just didn't feel like wasting my vote.

So, in summary, fuck you and the horse you rode in on.

Backpeddlin, lying motherfucker. How do you live with yourself?

I'm not into labels, Ted.

[Cap'n Cat]

Backpeddlin, lying motherfucker. How do you live with yourself?

I'm not into labels, Ted.

Again, Ralph was 100% right about you. Lashing out, bitter Conk!

[dbackjon]

Looks like we need a cleanup on aisle 5!



"This shuttle mission sponsored by Depends - worn by astronauts during launches since 1985"

[TwinTownBisonFan]

The space program is an excellent endeavor.

1. dont kid yourself, part of why NASA exists is a check to ensure that nobody else attempts to weaponize space.

2. it's a prestige thing... we are the world biggest superpower and flinging a group of people in to orbit multiple times a year in a matter 5 minutes is a not so subtle message to the rest of the world of the power of Americans collected genius.

3. the innovations derived from the space program have been HUGE in terms of civilian benefits.

4. there is a lot to discover that will improve life down on earth by continuing to explore space.

5. while private endeavors are heading to space... they are doing so for tourism and trivial reasons. additionally, we can learn a great deal about ourselves by using space telescopes to explore the reaches of the universe... witness the amazing success of Hubbel