The United States government would be wise to invest more in NASA.

In 1966 NASA's budget peaked at 4.4 percent. [1] Obviously this was in preparation for the Apollo 11 mission that would bring the United State's astronauts to the moon on july 20th 1969. [2] So the important question is was it worth that large of a slice in the budget? I'd say yes, and it still is today.Technological ProgressNASA has impacted many things but moreso has changed engineering and science. Here's a few "small" examples. Insalin Pump: By working on a tool that could measure astronaut's vitals, NASA unintentionally helped millions suffering with type 1 diabetes. [3] Water Filters: Not suprisingly NASA has use for efficient water filltration systems. The water filltration systems NASA invented in the 70s now helps clean our drinking water and save the environment in areas where drastic water pollution has taken place. [4]Cat Scanners: Yeah, you know that thing we use to detect cancer? Yeah you can thank NASA for that. [5] Computer Microchips: They were first used in the Apollo guidance computer. [5] Solar Energy: [5]This list could go on for a very long time, but I think you get the point. NASA has been pioneering in technology since it's creation and still today captures the hearts and souls of talented engineers and inventors. If you want bigger lists, check my sources. Fixing our problems at home (in space!) It is said often in NASA-hating circles that "we need to fix the problems on Earth before we worry about space." Although it is true that we need to fix our problems here on Earth, NASA may be the solution and therefor something we should support. "Problems on Earth" I assume refer to starvation, the economy, and the environment. So I will adress each individually. Food Shortage: When you are launched into a hostile, low-gravity environment like in low Earth orbit or the moon food becomes a very serious commodity. Preserving it, growing it, and preparing it in these hostile conditions will help us in growing more food in a sustainable way back at home. It is also important to note that most of the worlds starvation is brought on by governmental mismanagement and not neccesarily a real food shortage. The Environment: Have you ever day-dreamed about how awesome it would be to live on Mars? Or what it would be like to be a colonist on the Moon? Or a realistic present day example -- what it would be like to live on the ISS? The truth is that the same things that would help us terraform places like Mars are the same contraptions that would save us from climate change on Earth. Be it renewable energy, carbon capture or water sanitation. By advancing in these fields we will better understand how to combat pullution struggles here on Earth. The Economy: Every invention I listed above and plenty of others have impacted our economy positively. The effect these inventions create is un-measurable. However what is measurable is how much NASA invests back into our nation for "spinoff" inventions. These inventions take NASA's newfound technology and implements them in every day scenarios. In 2011 NASA invested 900 million dollars in the state of Florida alone. [6] For the reasons listed above, I stand by my claim that NASA should gain more funding to continue space exploration and to continue hiring inspired engineers and inventors that may change the entire way we live our lives. (Possibly even to the extent that the computer microchip has.) Sources: [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org...[2]: http://en.wikipedia.org...[3]: http://science.howstuffworks.com...[4]: http://science.howstuffworks.com...[5]: http://www.design-laorosa.com...[6]: http://www.nasa.gov...