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General discussion

Should NASA be a "For Profit" Enterprise? I am torn

Feb 21, 2011 8:51PM PST

Dear Buzz Gang and Crew,
NASA the "National Aeronautics and Space Administration", is in another budget battle with the U.S. Congress. Now NASA is considering working together with commercial organizations and companies to continue space craft launches. Should NASA be a "For Profit" Enterprise? I am really torn by this because there is value in "pure research".

Your Thoughts?

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=32771
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=178776
http://www.space.com/10867-nasa-budget-commercial-spaceflight.html

Later People.

Discussion is locked

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Yes.
Feb 21, 2011 8:56PM PST

Sadly, I feel they should. Pure research is not enough justification for the billions that they need every year nowadays, and frankly, the US can no longer afford it.

If the science behind the development of space travel is to progress it has to become affordable, and that can only happen if the private sector becomes involved.

In my view...

Mark

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Agree & Disagree MarkFlax :-)
Feb 21, 2011 9:42PM PST

Dear MarkFlax,
I have to both agree and disagree with you. Yes, the U.S. Government spends billions of dollars on NASA and yes space exploration is very expensive. To continue spending money for this type of research will be a burden on U.S. taxpayers.

But the U.S. Government waste as much or more billions on wasteful spending and silly pork projects than that do on the budget they give NASA.

There has to be a compromise somewhere.

http://www.cagw.org/reports/pig-book/#trends

Later.

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No
Feb 22, 2011 4:43AM PST

There is no profit in pure research. If they were a private company they wouldn't do so much pure science. Note NASA only costs $18b a year a small part of the US governments budget.
However there is no reason they can't help fund themselves by doing for profit satellite launches for private companies.

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"Pure Research" has value, Nicholas
Feb 22, 2011 7:34AM PST

Dear Nicholas,
I think that you misunderstood my statement. "Pure Research" has value. I did not say anything about profit. If NASA were to become a "For Profit" organization, they would have to pass on "Pure Research" over to other agencies or institutions which is very sad.

There are people a lot smarter than me who have argued the points, merits and value of having "Pure Research".

http://www.ancillaryips.com/?p=412
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/03/columbia/main539214.shtml
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/carroll/the-lhc-and-the-importance-of-pure-research/1876
http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/914/practical_uses_of_pure_research.html
http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/home-furniture-furnishings-equipment-stores/4267910-1.html

Later.