For every $1 we spend on the Space Program we make $2. If we stop Space Research we lose those future discoveries like computers, cell phones and space foam beds
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For every $1 we spend on the Space Program we make $2. If we stop Space Research we lose those future discoveries like computers, cell phones and space foam beds
What TGS said.
Also one thing I remember from one of the Discovery programs, is that it is actually easier to get into space than it is to get to the bottom of the Marianas trench (which I had the pleasure of seeing the sonar echo's when I was in the Navy). I was reading a popular science recently that did an article on the next generation of underwater exploration vehicles. Cool stuff. Underwater exploration is also beginning to produce returns on investment as well. That has been a major roadblock to exploring the Oceans. Not many companies or governments are going to sink that much money into something that does not produce returns.
Actually, the first computers were build for the military, not the space program, but you make a very good point. I didn't realize the ROI was that large though.
The problem with deep sea research is that the sort of vessels that can go to extreme depths are sent there. The vessels that can't go that deep are limited to maybe 300ft, so there is a gap of no research from ~300ft-800ft.
I'm not saying that there is no ROI from space research. I love space research, but we should try to really really understand our own planet before we think about terraforming another one. My +ROI refers only to plans people have proposed for removing excess carbon from the atmosphere. Most of those plans are really stupid and only cost money with no ROI.