Money Problems......

Today I read that Nasa new project "ORION" , will be running late due the lack of money needed to stay on
the time scedule. And now Congress wants NASA to do more
on finding ASTEROIDS and Comets, But of course NO new money is added. >

I personally beleave NASA is straped for cash...
I may not agree on every project that is done by Nasa,
but my question is , and I would like too have your honest responces, IS THERE ANY PROGRAM THAT YOU FEEL THAT NASA
SHOULD DROP FROM IT'S MISSION ?????

Thanks and CS,
Bill

If NASA is truly budget constrained, they may need to focus their efforts on the big programs and drop some of the smaller missions.

First, they could probably drop some of the basic aeronautic research and leave it to universities and aircraft manufacturers. The aeronautic research could most easily be handled by these communities because they do not require spacecraft. They might also be able to recoup some funds by charging user fees for wind tunnels and other facilities.

Second, NASA sponsors a number of missions that use small satellites and observe the earth. These missions could perhaps be undertaken at lower cost by using private sector launch facilities. They also might fall into the realm of useful space missions that could be undertaken by Russia, China, India, or Europe. A quick look at the NASA website reveals missions like (AIM, THEMIS, Earth Observing 1, FAST) that might be candidates for outsourcing to other space programs. There are a number of missions that look related to greenhouse and ozone hole issues. I think these may be important, but they too might be outsourced based on the technology required.

Third, NASA has a lot of involvement in Public Relations activity. These activities should be self-sustaining through ticket prices. I also wonder if some of these efforts could be better handled through private sector concerns. For example, Disney, Paramount or Annheiser-Busch might be able to generate more excitement for the space program if they could incorporate old rockets and space capsules into their theme parks. I think more parents take their kids to Disneyworld than take their kids to Huntsville. And, the sale of such assets might generate more revenue for NASA.

This would leave NASA focused on --
1) Space Exploration (Mars rovers, etc.)
2) Deep Space Observing
3) International Space Station
4) Manned Space Programs (Return to the Moon, etc.)