For NASA, making space exploration sustainable means job CUTS

Just like the rest of the world, NASA is reacting to a lackluster economy that is in a slow recovery its push for sustainability has a different flavor than most other organizations. In a parallel vein to the green movement, NASA is trying to become more efficient. With current programs spanning several decades before completion due to budget cuts the space agency is facing some difficult decisions as it fights to stay relevant.

The commercialization of space travel will catch up to NASA before long, and as that gap narrows the agency’s role must shift. NASA already plays a limited role in pushing hardware to space, there are commercial options for that. If budget cuts proceed as planned, we’ll also be relying on commercial options for manned missions.

Future vision for NASA seems to place the organization in more of a research & development role, with a huge focus on “. . . the development of technology for cheaper, extended-range space flight,” according to Ars Technica.

Research from NASA has influenced everyday life in countless ways. LED lights, temper foam, enriched baby food, solar energy, and freeze drying technology are all examples of products derived from its efforts. That in mind, it’s easy to see why the agency would want to continue investing more heavily in research – the benefits are tangible.

Unfortunately or not, this also leaves a large piece of our future success (or failure) in space exploration to the commercial segment. If companies look long term that may work, but the allure of sky-high profits may take attention away from a more holistic approach to discovering what’s out there. It also could lead to companies staking claims, and having the technology and manpower to enforce those claims on other habitable celestial bodies.

The next time you look at a blinking LED light, or a traffic light that uses LED, just remember that NASA (and your tax dollars) may have enabled its existence.