The Public Recognizes the Value of NASA Funding for NASA represents a major portion of our nation's investment in science and technology. While America is rolling back support in these vital areas, global competition is rising. After the announcement of the budget plan, the National Space Society and other space community groups warned that the proposed budget would savage NASA, forcing the cancellation of major programs and research centers. After the new figures were announced in February of this year, some suggested NASA was out of the woods, that its financial difficulties had been resolved. But this is not the case.
Costs continue to rise as funding declines.
We are concerned about our nation's ability to meet tomorrow's challenges. Space excites our spirit, and pushing into the space frontier generates new knowledge and innovations. In a weightless environment, scientists can conduct research to learn about many phenomena and processes that remain hidden on Earth due to the influence of gravity. As a nation, we cannot afford to turn our back on NASA and exploration. Americans care about our space program and its continued vitality.