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I honestly have come to believe that NASA will be looked back upon as the greatest investment the United States government ever made. The idea of investing directly in technological development and scientific advancement is more than intriguing, it's an integral part of human existence. Did you know NASA money paid for the development of fiberglass and teflon? Did you know NASA invented the smoke detector? NASA helped develop the first portable computers. They kept Tylenol with cyanide from reaching consumers, possibly saving hundreds of thousands of lives. NASA has been at the beginning of so many technological developments, it's difficult to list them all.
NASA is pure innovation and exploration.
Do you think that the private sector should be governed by existing government-run space programs?
I believe there should be oversight to ensure safety, certainly. I also believe that NASA should be able to contract out scientific work to private companies.
What do you think a government's role should be in space exploration and development?
NASA should be the leader, imho. It has a long history of doing the jobs of exploration and development well, earning my trust.
What kinds of controls do you think should be in place for private space endeavors?
Safety inspections before launch, be it manned or unmanned.
Should anything off of our globe be considered free for a claim?
No. I'm not happy with the way humans have divided up resources on earth in attempts to gain power over others. We've exploited the earth far more than we've respected it. I don't trust private corporations and individuals to treat our universe with respect and with the aim of betterment for all mankind. I know it sounds pie in the sky, but exploration should be about a better tomorrow for everyone. We should have human governmental regulation over human endeavors into space.
Do you expect private companies to exploit the resources of any heavenly body they encounter?
I expect them to try, but people like me will be standing in their way.
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