Re: Curiosity has Landed !
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jrb572</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hate to say this. I think stuff like this is very interesting. But like a few others. Couldn't the money have been spent better elsewhere ? I guess it was or these scientist would not of had a job. </div></div>
Spent where?? Like it or not, the military and the space program have provided more tangable benefits to this nation than most people ever realize. The space program is a ridiculously miniscule part of the budget and the military is one of the few items that we spend money on that is actually mandated in the Constitution (Provide for the common defence) and yet these are always the first on the chopping block when budget cuts happen. What have these programs done to benefit the nation? In material science alone their impact can probably never really be appreciated. Think about all the lightweight materials that are in many item we own and you can trace many of their roots to the aerospace industry, materials like carbon fiber, lightweight alloys, advanced lubricants and adhesives and on and on. Then lets talk about things like satellite communications, weather forecasting, GPS, the computer revolution, the list is staggering and that is just a few that come readily to mind. The first digital computer was developed to calculate artillary ballistic tables in WWII, and look where that has gone. The internet, originally a DARPA project.
It's funny that we, as shooters, have more directly seen the benefits of R&D in the military and the space program in items that we use in our sport like thermal imaging, night vision, optics and laser rangefinders, but now technologies like FLIR and heads up displays are starting to show up in automobiles. Granted they are in the high end luxury cars now, but how long till they are a low cost options in every car?
Yet, we as a nation, spend staggering and obscene amounts of money at the national and state level on intagible programs that are at best marginally effective and at worst total failures and stifle the very things that made America great. I say spend more money on the space program and take it away from the numerous alphabet agencies that hinder us at every opportunity. At least we have a better chance of getting tangable results. Curousity is a technological marvel that will expand our knowledge and provide benefits long after it has done it job. Just Sayin'...