Help NASA, Help Us
NASA's Spinoff InnovationsBy Chris Holder
As evidenced by many leading researchers andscholars in the astronomical field, our comprehension and exploration of theuniverse around us will inevitably be a necessity to sustain the future of ourhuman race. As we strive to reach beyondour understandings of the universe and establish a future for our civilization, NASA continues to innovate and produce ‘spinoffs’ as a result of itsresearch. These ‘spinoffs’ ease the lives of every person living today as well as contribute a significant amount to theeconomic stability of our country.
The public opinion has become increasinglynegative since the moon landing in 1969. During the budget and deficit crisis in the past couple of years, thedebate has been over whether cutting funding for NASA would be a necessary stepin preserving our country’s wealth. Recent studies show that 51% of those polled would cut funding entirelyfor the United States space program (Harris Interactive). Another study by the University of Chicagoranked the space program second to last, beating out foreign aid for lowest onthe public’s funding priorities (University of Chicago). The public’s inclination to cease funding foran industry they no longer desire overlooks NASA’s significant contributions tothe economy of the United States, in addition to its technological andscientific achievements.NASA receives less than 1% of the overall federal budget. Unfortunately for those opposed to NASA’s existence, less than 1% is not capable of bridging the continually expanding deficit gap.
Through ‘spinoffs’ from research and development however, NASA contributes back to the economy much more than they receive in funding. “Assuming that NASA's Research and Development expenditures produce the same economic payoff as the average R&D expenditure, MRI (Midwest Research Institute) concluded that the $25 billion (1958) spent on civilian space R&D during the 1959-69 period returned $52 billion through 1970 and will continue to stimulate benefits through 1987, for a total gain of $181 billion (Schnee)”. So for every $1 that is given to NASA and the space program, our economy receives a $7 return. This economic stimulus does not come from reaching another planet or planetary body, but through the invention of new products and technologies, called ‘spinoffs’, that are interwoven with our everyday lives.
These inventions and improvements made upon our lives by NASA can be seen and experienced every day by almost every person on the planet. These ‘spinoffs’ are used in all facets of industry and life, from emergency personnel and anyone wearing shoes to industrial processes and baby food. And the number of these developments made by NASA is not a small one. NASA has actually produced over 1,300 ‘spinoffs’ including the MRI machine, high capacity batteries, water purification, firefighter safety equipment, athletic shoes, UV lens coating and scratch resistance, bicycle and football helmets, advanced lubricants, carbon monoxide detectors and school buses.
Through the campaign I investigated the disconnect between the public’s lack of appreciation for NASA, and their desire to extinguish the organization and the contributions by NASA to those same people who wish it gone. By informing these people of the larger role NASA plays in their lives, the lives of their loved ones and the economic system, I hope to communicate the importance of scientific funding and exploration and that the money allocated to funding these explorations is not wasted, and actually reinvested into our economy.
