The Ares I-X test rocket blasted off on a brief test flight Wednesday, taking the first step in a back-to-the-moon program that could be shelved by the White House. The flight was focused on giving the NASA scientists new information on rocket science. The rocket was covered with more than 700 sensors, and during its two-minute powered flight, NASA officials hoped to learn how the rocket responds to the stress of liftoff. The data will provide a reality check for computer modeling used in the rocket design process. Although this launch is cool looking, its cost was $445 million. Wednesday's flight came just days after a panel of experts convened by the White House reported that the Ares I rocket program can't really do the job it was intended to do, and perhaps should be scrapped. I do think that rockets and space shuttles are a cool thing and have provided in some sweet discoveries. However I am not sure if it is very cost effective and I agree with the White House's choice to maybe cut the program. At this moment with the recession I think it would be more logical to use these scientists minds for projects that may better the economy.Source:http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114241519
Not really sure I agree with you here, Lucas. NASA is one of the most underfunded government agencies. With just a little increase in funding, the brilliant minds there could find out loads about our universe. The economy may be relevant now, (and no, those scientists are astrophysicists and such, not economists, so they couldn't help with the economy) but any information about the galaxy or universe we live in could help shape the future of the human race.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely that we should probably cut this program. Although we have been advancing soo much with these space discoveries, because of the recession that we are in right now we need to think of a way to get out of all the debt, not get more into debt by spending it on stuff like this. Sure it'll be great to discover more about space and stuff but it really is too expensive and we need to put getting out of this recession first on our priority list and maybe once we're not in a recession anymore, then we can focus more on projects like this. So the government really shouldn't be worrying about this right now.
ReplyDeleteI dont think we should cut funding! Like what Dr.Dangles said... NASA is underfunded but both you and sarah have a point too.. I would not rise or cut funding for the time being. After the recession, I would def increase funding.
ReplyDeleteI agree with yadu and dr. dangles. There have been so many technological advances simply because of the study of space flight. You and Sarah have valid points but I don't really think that cutting NASA's funding will solve our recession. Plus, if the government cut NASA's funding now, they would probably never restart funding them again after the recession.
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