A DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF JUSTIFICATION FOR THE SPACE PROGRAM

The overall objective of this research paper is to ascertain the benefits of the American
Space Program as viewed by the American public. Some believe that the cost does not
justify the need; while others believe otherwise. Similarly, the Space Program is one of
great complexity, especially when considered within the context of politics, cost benefit
analysis, public reaction, acceptance of, et.al. Indeed, it is more than fair to state that
NASA has been under serious pressure to defend its space program. To a large extent,
much of the criticism has emanated from the need to address domestic problems, i.e.
homelessness, Welfare Reform, the Federal Deficit, hunger as well as related domestic
issues. Twenty five years ago today, a fragile spider-like space craft named “Eagle” settled
softly into the gray lunar crust, where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took mankind’s
first steps onto another world. That “Giant leap” by Apollo Eleven in the Sea of
Tranquility on July 20, 1969, remains the benchmark by which NASA is judged - - the
outermost hum...