Due to the recent government shutdown, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the US government agency largely responsible for the United States’ civilian space program and space research, has had to furlough about 97% of it’s workforce. The agency that is responsible for constant watch of asteroid collisions, and telling us more about what role life plays in the universe, has been indisposed because of arguments happening in Washington. While the government shutdown affected not only NASA, this grounding brings up an important point about what role the government should play in space exploration.

The recent government shutdown

Perhaps the American government should no longer hold onto the responsibility of interstellar space research. After all, with the broken economy, politicians have focused the budget less and less towards astronomy and more towards advanced weaponry and ammunition. In such a technologically advanced age, the american government seems to be more and more secluded from the scientific world, maybe out of fear. Perhaps privatization in the field of astronomy could re-ignite newer and bolder missions that would keep the public involved, like the Mars One Project.

Colonies on Mars

Imagine humanity colonizing other worlds, possibly other star systems. The Mars One Project is a step towards that goal. They hope to send create a permanent settlement on Mars in 2023. Imagine the possibilities, imagine all that science could learn. This is much bolder than anything the government could have created. Maybe these new projects and businesses are what is required to bring space travel to the public. In this new age, reliance on the government is not longer enough; societies themselves must lead the way to a new future.

Image Sources:

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