Editorial: Why we need NASA funding

Just a day ago a senate panel decided to fund certain NASA programs above and beyond what was recommended by President George W. Bush. In fact, NASA will be receiving more than $1 billion worth of new funding to continue their non-manned space and earth exploration programs.

This is a great move by Senate Appropriations commerce, justice, science subcommittee despite the fact that naysayers have decried it as a waste of time and taxpayer money. After all, why should we spend money on looking at planets and galaxies instead of feeding the poor or helping to give everyone health care?

Well despite the inherent flaws in that argument, NASA has given more to this country than almost any single organization. They have been cash strapped for several years now, and it is time that the United States resumes its leadership position as the No. 1 country when it comes to the exploration of outer space. China and the European Union are creating extensive programs, and it is up to us to show that we can still provide innovative solutions and ideas, as well as have the drive and ambition to explore the heavens.

Throughout the decades, the space exploration program has given the American people so much. Faster computers and the ability to send information have both been born out of the attempts by NASA to launch and perfect all of the technology it has today.

A short list of innovations include:

-The Satellite Dish
-Medical Imaging Devices (Like the MRI Machine)
-The vision chart you see at the Eye Doctor's office
-The Ear Thermometer
-Fire Fighters' flame resistant gear
-Smoke detectors
-Superior Sunglasses (Blocking all harmful UV rays)
-A program developed by NASA determines how well cars perform
-The concept of cordless tools
-Thermal gloves/boots
-Invisible Braces
-Ski boots
-Shock-absorbing helmets
-Joysticks
-The plastic now used for most soda bottles

What we must realize as a nation is that it is never about the destination. It is about the journey that gets us there. In this case, planting a flag on the moon or landing a Mars rover might not yield financial windfalls, but what they invent along the way to make it all possible has revolutionized the way we live. Even the most basic of items could have been created in the mind of a NASA scientist.

So for the people that believe that this money could be better spent elsewhere, ask yourselves: Could there be any better way to revitalize our flagging international reputation than by resuming our place as the leader in cutting edge technology? Technology that could be manufactured here, with American know-how, and exported to nations around the world. When those countries begin to produce it cheaper, we will already be making the next great innovation. This concept works for any of the fields now opening up to us: Alternative fuels, biotechnology, nanotechnology, medical innovation and an infinite series of possibilities.

Remember, all it takes is one small step for man to create a giant leap for mankind.