Posted by AuntieMel on September 26, 2005, at 16:43:28
In reply to NASA, posted by alexandra_k on September 24, 2005, at 6:03:47
Is it worth it? Every penny, in my book, though I do think those pennies could be spent more efficiently sometimes.
I was very young when the space program started, but I remember the thrill of it, watching the launches, worshiping the astronauts. So, so many of us wanted to grow up to be one that the sciences were studied in a way we haven't seen since.
Meeting an astronaut was for me a bigger thrill than it would have been to meet Mick Jagger.
Even today NASA reaches out to kids to get them interested in science. One web site for kids has a list of the everyday "spinoff" items that came from the space program:
http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/spinoffs2.shtml
The NASA sites run tours that are of interest to kids, from being able to see mission control, to the wetf training facility, to Space Camp, to interactive museums, and so on, and so on. I remember touring Johnson Space Center as a youngster and I go back on a regular basis. When there is a mission they have a room where you can watch and listen.
I could go on for days.....
poster:AuntieMel
thread:558860
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20050924/msgs/559883.html