News Commentary: Space The Final Frontier

On Sundays I offer comments on some of the most interesting information technology stories that I have found on the web that week. Please feel free to join in the discussion or suggest other stories.

This story today made me very sad…

AP News – NASA to get more money, but must scratch moon plan

“President Barack Obama is essentially grounding efforts to return astronauts to the moon and instead is sending NASA in new directions with roughly $6 billion more, according to officials familiar with the plans.

A White House official confirmed Thursday that when next week’s budget is proposed, NASA will get an additional $5.9 billion over five years, as first reported in Florida newspapers. Some of that money would extend the life of the International Space Station to 2020. It also would be used to entice companies to build private spacecraft to ferry astronauts to the space station after the space shuttle retires, said the official who was not authorized to speak by name.”

I want a real space program. I want to go back to the moon. I want a manned space program. I can think of many inventions just off the top of my head that advanced Information Technology. No one can argue that the American Space Program is one of the motive forces of our Information Age. I am sad that the budget the President is submitting to Congress does not value it. Humanity is destined to leave Earth and I want America at the forefront. Budget cuts are understandable, but dream cuts are shortsighted.The Information Age is defined by what we make it. If we stop striving, then we will stop leading.

What do you think about this topic? Do you agree or disagree with me? Do you have a recommended news story for next week? Please share your ideas below.

That is my Information Technology Thought of the Day (ITTOD) for January 31, 2010 by Scott Coughlin.

Image Credit: NASA