Y&R Discussion Group

Topic: NASA says asparagus can grow on the planet Mars...

It amazes me that so many people don't realize how much we benefit from the space program.

Much of the technology we use (and mostly take for granted) in our everyday lives was originally developed for or improved by the space program.  How do you think you got your cell phones and satellite TV?   

Technology from the space program may save your life one day, because it contributes new and better medical technologies.  Think about that the next time you use your ear themometer or go for a medical test that involves imaging, like a sonogram.  Yep, those technologies come from the space program.

It even goes beyond fancy stuff like that.  Your thermal gloves and boots, your cordless tools and appliances, your smoke detectors, better equipment for firefighters, protective sunglasses . . . I could go on and on.  Every single day we all personally benefit from technology developed for the space program.

If we find a solution to global warming, it will probably be because of research done by the space program.  The more we learn about our solar system and universe, the more we learn about our own planet.  If we can grow asparagus on Mars, that may mean we can grow foods more effectively HERE, and help reduce famine.

If you want to learn more about how we benefit from the space program, go here:

http://techtran.msfc.nasa.gov/at_home.html

And people act like the money that goes into the space program sort of just melts into space, without realizing how much it contributes to our economy.  That money goes to manufacturing, to giving people jobs and benefits, to increasing our knowledge about a myriad of subjects.

Every dollar we put into the space program benefits humankind in the long run.  If we want to find more money for health care and education, we can start by ending the war.  But we should never pull money out of the space program.  It's one of the most important investments in our future as a species.

Replies: (list all replies)

Thank you so much for posting this. I saw life before these so many developments. In fact one of the most poignant memories I have is waiting up to see Sputnik II with little Liaka aboard that cold November 1957. Photo inside.

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Posted by: DebS
Date posted: Sat Jun 28 0:16:26 2008
Message:

From Jimmy Buffett's "Fruitcakes":

"Speakin of fruitcakes, how bout the government?
Your tax dollars at work!

We lost our martian rocket ship
The high paid spokesman said
Looks like that silly rocket ship
Has lost its cone-shaped head
We spent 90 jillion dollars trying to get a look at mars
I hear universal laughter ringing out among the stars!"

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Posted by: SusieB
Date posted: Fri Jun 27 10:04:33 2008
Message:
I really dont care.  What I do know is there is plenty of  life down here on earth, and the billions of dollars spent to see if asparagus can grow Mars could be better spent on health care funding and other needs of US Citizens.

Replies: (list all replies)

I tell my hubby that all the time! He is very interested in space missions. He says that one day this earth will be overpopulated and we'll need to find another place to live. I say wait until that happens then try to solve that problem! GJ

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