America's Space Program

Statement

America's Space Program

At 2:28 a.m. on a cloudy Tuesday, twenty members of the House of Representatives, including me, were on hand for the launch of the space shuttle Endeavor from Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

The highlight of a whirlwind 12-hour trip from Capitol Hill to Cape Canaveral, it was an awe-inspiring event and, at the same time, it was a stark reminder to all in attendance of just how impressive the National Aeronautic and Space Administration's (NASA) impact and contribution has been to our society.

During the 16-day mission to the International Space Station - NASA's longest such mission ever - the seven-man crew will deliver and install the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's space lab as well as test new technology for affixing thermal tile samples, part of NASA's ongoing safety efforts.

Japan's space lab is not only an important contribution to the International Space Station, but also signifies the international cooperation space exploration holds. In those pre-dawn hours, we had the opportunity to meet with Japanese space officials present for the launch. We were also able to tour the Orbiter Processing Facility where shuttles are maintained before receiving a pre-launch briefing from NASA officials on the Endeavor's mission.

As a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over NASA, I have had the chance to not only meet with NASA officials, but also the astronauts and technicians who make these missions possible. I have seen firsthand how NASA technologies enhance our lives. And so have you.

Because of our space program our lives have been made easier, safer, and more efficient. NASA has provided us with smoke detectors, eye charts, water heaters, reflective insulation, Velcro, water purification, home security systems, cordless power tools, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and even zippers.

NASA's innovations have provided the technologies behind everyday items such as wireless networks, trash compacting, and flat screen televisions.

Our space program's impacts are felt in medical research, energy research, materials engineering, and textiles.

The return on our government's investment in our space program has been considerable, especially when you consider how small of a percentage of the federal budget NASA makes up. If you picture the federal budget as one day, NASA's budget would only be a little more than eight minutes of the twenty-four hours.

Often attention is focused, rightly so, on federal programs which drain our economy without significant return. As a member of the House Budget Committee, I have a particular interest in making sure taxpayer money is spent wisely, to make sure we are getting our money's worth. In fact, NASA adds nearly $3.6 million to Nebraska's economy.

Now, our space program is on the cusp of the next great step in NASA's history.

The current space transportation systems - the space shuttle and other expendable launch vehicles - are unsuitable for exploration beyond low Earth orbit.

In 2004, Congress directed NASA to develop new space transportation capabilities to safely transport astronauts to the moon and even to Mars in a sustainable, secure, and affordable manner.

Currently anticipated for 2014, the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle will replace the retiring space shuttle program. Unfortunately, since the shuttle program is slated to close its doors in 2010, the United States will be left without the means to carry astronauts into space for several years.

America seems to have lost much of the excitement we once felt towards our space program. Shuttle launches which would have been major media events a few years ago no longer garner the attention of the public. Technology and innovations directly related to our space program are simply accepted as part of our everyday lives.

Our space program has the potential to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers - to foster students' interests in the math and science. The benefit of our next discovery will not just be landing on the moon or Mars, but the benefits of the knowledge and technology gained during the journey.

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