Methods to conserve energy or protect ecosystems as development accelerates will have increased importance into the future, scientists reveal. In addition, the international space station that will be developed in the next 10 to 15 years could change mankind's link to outer space. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration will continue working on improved launch technologies and a replacement for the aging space shuttle. Improving aviation safety as well as safety in space projects will remain a priority, officials note. And issues related to the amount of planes crowding the nation's air transportation hub system will most likely cause aviators to rethink the use of smaller airports to handle the increasing number of travelers.
Government officials recognize some of the obstacles to technological development.
Moore relays that budgetary issues and the appropriations process can sometimes be impediments to advancement. Further, he cites regulation and the process for moving technology from the development stage to the production stage as bottlenecks in the pipeline. Standards, he notes, must be instituted at the appropriate time, so they will not prevent people from developing new technologies. Moore says not having a large enough pool of well-educated, talented, technically skilled employees is another hurdle the United States must overcome. With technological advancements, scientists agree that new challenges may arise.