science mothballed

[tinplate]

This article is a good example why I am against manned space programs. For the cost of a single manned flight, you could have put up many useful unmanned science missions. So, we have money for the very expensive shuttle and space station, we're already spending for planning of a manned Mars mission, but the US fleet of weather satellites decays:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6127810.html

[jwyman]

I'm sorry but what the heck is going to MARS going to buy you?

Jim

[ncpilot]

I'm sorry but what the heck is going to MARS going to buy you?

Jim

I suppose that question was being asked in the 60s about a manned mission to the moon... 

[jwyman]

And the moon is HOW far away as opposed to Mars? Not trying to squash exploration and science but in all honesty, the space program is nothing like it was and our money could be better spent in some (not all) areas...

Jim

[Weather Display]

there has been technology spinoffs from the whole space program though

[jwyman]

agree. but there reaches a point where ROI grows less and less with additional outlays....