The future of the space program

The future of the space program, not only for the United States but also for the world, may cease to operate by the year 2020, along with the International Space Station, as indicated in recent reports. This news has leaked out into the press, despite the fact that NASA has indicated there has been no discussion of such action.

With the current budget problems, there is doubt that will there be funding available for the space program as we know it.

According to the current NASA website, there are missions scheduled through 2013. Whether these missions will continue to be on the schedule remains to be seen, as this question will be answered when the results of the 2012 elections are realized. Per the present schedule, there are a total of eighteen (18) missions. Several will carry astronauts to the International Space Station, while others will involve science missions to collect data about the Earth’s atmosphere and other projects. Given the accomplishments of the space program over the last 50 years, efforts should be made to keep it operational to some extent, if not at the current level of funding.

To put it in perspective, the current schedule includes a total of eight missions for 2011 and 2012, while the number currently scheduled for 2013 is only four. With this reduction in activity there appears to be some projection that the space program activity will be reduced in the future. All the missions scheduled for 2013 involve carrying three crew members to the space station. While the space program has accomplished many things over the years, one important thing which needs to be developed for the future of the program, if there will be one, is a goal to be attained. As Americans, when we establish goals for ourselves as individuals or as a country, and when we put the resources to achieving that goal, nothing is out of our reach to accomplish.

The technological advances which have occurred over the span of the space program have improved the quality of life as we know it today. Many may not understand the benefits we have today compared to the cost incurred over the years. Some reports indicate that while there will not be as much personal involvement with the space program through such agencies as NASA, there appears to be some future commercial space exploration activity. Government contracts appear to be involved with the commercial space exploration activity which in effect potentially reduces the cost from the present levels. In addition, Florida has played a major role in the space program and plans to be a big part in future space program activity in the next-generation.

Many talented individuals have been there during the space program to date and it would be a mistake to let this talent go to waste. There has been little information regarding future activity for the space program, but there is one lesson from the past which must be remembered. In the past, federal programs were cut by one President and restarted by another. The costs associated with this change in direction cost the government more than if the program were kept in place. Some say the costs to maintain the program in some manner is a waste of taxpayer dollars. To these individuals I say there are many programs that are funded which have no real value in terms of the benefits they provide. These programs however seem to constantly get funded year after year. Programs which have no real benefit in terms of the costs should be eliminated so programs such as the space program can continue. We have learned much from the missions that have taken place in the past, and those scheduled through 2013 will provide additional knowledge, not only about our own world but also about space. Congress needs to spend wisely in the future more than it has in the past. It is hoped the current super committee formed in Congress will provide clear direction for our economy going forward, one that will provide a positive outlook.