Why don't we spend more money on NASA?

I know that we have a debt problem here in America but to me, NASA is worth it. In fact, if I remember correctly, the budget for NASA is below 20 Billion, yet we give foreign countries aid that is about 50 billion. Why don't we expand the program and also bring back the shuttle program? For those who say that NASA isn't important, where do you think the influence for our iphones came from?

I agree. It's shocking that American astronauts have to rely on the Russians to get them to and from the ISS. Maybe the root of the problem is that, in times of economic hardship, taxpayers don't want to see federal funds being spent on something which they don't feel benefits them directly. I'd say it's up to NASA's supporters to try to educate people in the long-term benefits of pure research - far from easy task, but I don't see any other way.

It's Congress that holds NASA's purse strings… Want to help? Find out who your representatives are, and your senators. Let them know you'd be much more likely voting for someone who supports expanding NASA's budget. Be polite, be firm, and let them know - as *your* representative - this is what you'd like to see… If you don't tell them, they'll vote how they see fit. They work for us - and, if they don't support the programs we want, then they should be replaced with those who will.

Speeding up the Space program is not necessary. It is not urgent and other issues have to be regarded in equal measure. Also, note the recent accidents and crashes do show there are gaps in the program. Technological development must be kept slow and accidents must be analysed, and its cause must be reported so that we're aware. Using nanotetch carbon or graphene for its strength and lightness in laminate surface reinforced with steel and alloys is an engineering skill and takes time to develop, be it the rockets, jets, or a carbonfiber cycle. Steel has proved its worth, but carbon fiber still needs to be developed and reinforced with steel ribs and supports to achieve safety.

Write 'em a check.

So one reason NASA isn't operating a manned space vehicle program right now is that it's not cost effective - largely because of the boosters required to enter low-earth orbit must be rebuilt for each and every launch. That's what companies like SpaceEx are trying to change by developing a reusable rocket booster.

The US is also, in conjunction with other space agencies like Russia's and Europe's, trying to push some aspects of space travel off to the private sector.

Three reasons why are:
1. The more parties in the game=competition=incentive to develop tech efficiently. If governments are the only ones exploring space, then it's always on tax payers to figure out how to fund it. The private sector is always going to be willing to throw down more money faster because they aren't relying on tax payers (if you've got a space enthusiast who happens to be also be a super billionaire… Funding solved).

2. The more brains in the game, the better the research. Let's face it, a lot of smart, creative people DON'T work for NASA and they probably have great ideas that could change the ball game for everyone.

3. Privatizing space travel within the realm of our home planet (meaning low-earth orbit and perhaps the moon) allows NASA to focus on other deeper endeavors - like a manned mission to Mars and beyond. These are the kind of endeavors that have inspired whole generations and are historically achieved by government space agencies. For a long time, NASA hasn't had the manpower to focus on these kinds of epic missions because all of their efforts were being spent on launching astronauts in shuttles.

Write your congresspersons in DC. And the various science, space, and budgetary committees that found NASA.

Many great things today have come from inventions from NASA that were originally created for space exploration, I agree its a great thing and this is an area we should advance and learn more on, but instead we have a government that will spend more on stupid stuff like save the gopher foundation and other garbage like that.