Aboona, Salman 1

Amber Aboona & Nataly Salman

Mrs. Denomme
AP English Language & Composition
27 May 2014
Beyond the Boundaries
It is undeniable that the average human has not once looked up at a starry night
and thought, Thats beautiful. I wonder what is up there. The imagination of mankind is
broadening at the speed of light. From the invention of the light bulb to the creation of complex
machinery used to better the quality of life, humanity has taken many chances towards a long
route of success. Curiosity has done nothing but civilized todays society and challenged the
assumptions of human imagination. However, when one looks into the night sky, he or she may
not think of the implications and efforts put in by others to challenge their assumptions of that
beautiful starry night. Why is it there? How does it work? What is meant by it? That beautiful
starry night is universally known as space. What most American citizens do not know is that a
portion of their money is contributed toward The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), the United States space program. Although some may disagree, it is important that the
United States increases funding for space exploration in order to improve the performance of its
economy, advance in various fields, and better the quality of life for mankind.
NASAs birth in 1958 was a way for the United States to compete with The Soviet
Union, who had just launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, into outer space (Minard). This
movement began the space race which encouraged the United States to land the first man on the
moon in an effort to keep up with its communist rival. Shortly after the launch of the Space Race,
the United States caught the attention of millions of people due to its slowly increasing success.

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The continual growth of NASA resulted in prosperity not only for the United States, but for the
world as a whole. Due to the expansion of the NASA program, our country has substantially led
the world in many subjects, particularly in war tactics. Although space exploration isnt funded
as much as it should be, it never fails to allow the United States to flourish.
The U.S government has established this program that uses federal income tax dollars for
scientific research and experiments. These experiments provide humanity with discoveries that
aid in many major projects. Each year, billions of dollars, funded by Americans, are put in
towards the NASA program. The fundings are part of Congress discretionary spending.
Therefore, there isnt a mandatory amount that has to go towards the NASA program. For every
federal tax dollar that is received, less than half a penny goes toward the project. Because of
economic issues and low appropriations granted by Congress, this beneficial program has
recently faced many major monetary cuts. Thus, leaving the 2014 fiscal year appropriation to
fund at $16.6 billion, a decrease of $928 million compared to the 2013 enacted level (The U.S.
House). This is nearly a one billion dollar cut, lessening the opportunities for our country to
continue benefitting from the projects of NASA.
Opponents of space exploration believe that the economy of the United States is already
suffering enough. It is argued that too much money is put towards space exploration, and that the
money used could be better spent toward the health of our people rather than being shot up into
space. The Presidents spending for the 2015 fiscal year states otherwise. According to the chart,
Medicare & Health are receiving 39% of mandatory spending and another 5% of the
discretionary spending, accounting for 27% of total expenditures (Federal Spending). It is the
second most funded field for that year. Science, on the other hand, only accounts for 1% of the
spending. This, however, does not mean all of the money goes toward NASA. The money under

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this category funds other important scientific movements, such as general studies of science,
medical sciences, and technological sciences.
Contrary to popular belief, NASA does more than just send rockets out into space. The
program is set up to contain various sects which include Science, Aeronautics, Space
Technology, Exploration, Space Operations, Construction of Facilities and Environmental
Compliance Restoration, and last but not least, Education (Templar). Now, it is evident that
these sects have much more to them as well. Each division is also split up into subdivisions,
which also have their own projects and research development to organize. All of these
organizations get a share of the Federal Budget, and as it keeps decreasing, it gets harder to
manage the money distributions. NASA then has to prioritize and determine what program gets
how much of a cut. This could be a problem since each and every one of them contribute to the
overall success of NASA, which plays a big yet silent role in society today.
Unemployment rates keep rising, and even those college graduates sometimes have a
hard time finding a job. There is enough supply for the demand of employees needed by NASA
to encourage, organize, set up, and calculate every aspect in the research and development of the
space program. It is not just an organization filled with scientists and geniuses and astronauts.
NASA employs in five different fields enlisting a variety of positions, starting from
secretaries to budget analysts to engineers (Bolden). These hundreds of thousands of Americans
contribute to a large percentage of the federal workforce, as well as the monetary distributions of
NASA. With annual budget cuts, not only do the projects of the space exploration have
reductions, but so do the incomes of the employees. Clearly, this leaves an even greater
detrimental effect toward the United States economy. A smaller paycheck leads to less pocket
change, a decrease in spending, and less revenue for businesses.

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The advantages tally on - the programs technological advances are also a major aspect of
its overall success. In only five decades, NASA has brought its goals to a whole nother level.
New spin-off technologies have derived from the creation of the technologies used in space.
Whether it is a tweak in the footprints, or a simpler version of the original model, these spin-offs
are almost guaranteed to promote efficiency, save money, and spur the economy all while
making life easier here on Earth. They are also available for licensing and partnership
opportunities for companies to stimulate their businesses (Benefits Stemming). These
advancements are a way for the United States to economically restore its stability, and increased
budgets for NASA can almost guarantee these innovations. Efficiency and accuracy are natural
traits that humans strive to always have in their daily lives, and these are only a couple of
characteristics of spin-offs. Simple gadgets-those that are used daily-such as handheld cameras,
smart phones, and even microwave ovens, are direct results of the things learned from the space
program (Savage). Even not-so-simple technologies have derived from these spin-offs.
Anywhere from GPS systems that detect heartbeats under hard piles of rubble, game controllers
that measure human physiological devices, and tests that determine any leaks in containers or
instrumentation (Lockney). Every spin-off positively affects the way we live our life whether it
be our safety, health, or personal entertainment. It is evident that these types of things are needed
for our own convenience and could be seen as necessities. In the future, these high-tech
advantages will be seen as normal, considering the even more advanced spin-offs NASA is
capable of providing us with.
Since the creation of the NASA program, all aspects of education have significantly
improved. It has not only allowed us to gain a vast amount of knowledge concerning our planet
but it has also helped us determine the many dangers we Americans face daily. Although there

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are many dangers associated with sending our men into space, hence the disastrous mission of
the 1986 space shuttle Challenger, which consisted of a technological failure that caused the
shuttle to completely collapse, the knowledge and research these astronauts come back with
surpass the drawbacks (Vaughan). As technology is advancing primarily by these missions, it is
also causing more awareness. The information obtained from well-equipped satellites that
explore space has contributed to the prediction of natural disasters and the forecast of weather
(Benefits of). These disasters put many states in danger; but for many decades now, people are
able to take the necessary precautions prior to being harmed. The improving technologies result
in less deaths, injuries, and damage due to the familiarity and knowledge of these calamities. The
United States has greatly advanced its efforts in preventing danger throughout the country. A
warning system to divert asteroids coming at us has also played a large factor in lessening the
dangers on our Earth (Mariotto).Without the enhancements NASA provides our country with, we
would be facing more danger in our day-to-day lives.
The end of World War II marked the United States giant leap from isolationism to
internationalism (Smith). Shortly after the U.S. began its journey to space, change was
implemented into its daily performance. NASA has not only allowed for the improvements of
many tangible things, but it has also had a great impact on the intangible things such as
connections and relationships the United States has with numerous countries. Space exploration
allowed for the formation of International Space Station (ISS) partnerships which enables
cooperation in space with partners of different levels of investments. These partnerships
contribute to developing new options for dealing with global challenges as well as overcoming
political and economic strains (Benefits Stemming). Connecting with other countries is a vital
aspect for the growth of the United States. It allows for the combining of the knowledge of our

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country with others throughout the world. Without the help of funding from the people of the
United States, expanding beyond our boundaries is nearly impossible. An endless amount of
benefits will result due to the uniting of many countries with hope for a strong relationship
among the nation. We are all inhabitants of the same planet, and it is important that we set our
differences aside to connect as time is taken to research and explore the rest of the universe-to
fully understand our existence. This realization changes our perspective of the world we live in
today.
Continuation of further funding of the NASA program is vital to ensure our children get
the most out of their education. Many elements of space exploration are created to attract young
peoples attention towards Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM). Millions of
teachers and students around America have participated in experiments associated with STEM
(Benefits Stemming). The bottle rocket experiment was my favorite, it got me interested in
space and how science works, says Juvanee Amanwel, a sixth grader at John Page Middle
School. The children of today are our future; exposing them to various scientific opportunities
will result in vast amounts of improvements as their interests drive them to new inventions and
endless discoveries. With more students studying this specific field, there will be possible
additions to the medical field, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the overall bettering of
our Earth.
NASAs priorities are not only associated with the discoveries in space, they pay attention
to the issues here on Earth. The worlds population is increasing exponentially every year, as it is
getting easier to live. The universe is ours, and we are not only destined to stay on this Earth
forever. Scientists are exploring other planets that also allow human survival, the most similar to
Earth being Mars. By 2024, human settlement on Mars will be a possibility. A program

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(partnering with NASA) called Mars-One has already accepted applicants and is training two
groups to prepare for the first mission (Roadmap). Now there is a chance for humanity to
disperse life beyond Earth. If all succeed, the worries of overpopulation and minimal agriculture
will be taken care of. Although this whole idea seems like a breeze, it will require many years of
preparation, research, exploration, money, and time that NASA is willing to commit to with the
proper resources available to them.
Many of the things we take for granted are also the things we could not have come this
far without. Never has it crossed our mind that space exploration has played such an important
role in our own lives, as well as the performance, efficiency, knowledge, entertainment, and
connections that we come across daily. As Americans living in a country with high innovations,
we tend to ignore and forget to give credit to what has given us such privileges. As stated in their
mission statement, NASAs main goal is to drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics,
and space exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and
stewardship of Earth, and they have not failed to do so, considering the many contributions they
have given our world.
Yet, all of these achievements have been reached with only .48% of each federal tax
dollar, that is, less than half of a penny. Imagine what could be done with just a slight increase in
the annual federal budgets-more jobs, opportunities, programs; more technology, education, and
knowledge; more discoveries, cures, improvements-an overall enhancement to our lives. It is
obviously not just an extra to our list of things to worry about. The possibilities for this
prestigious program are endless. Day by day, we recall to mind the question, Is it worth it? The
amount of outputs derived from the research and exploration have provided us with far more
than we would have ever expected. Even a minimal rise in the budget would make a huge

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difference for NASA, the changes would be almost unnoticeable regarding the other factors that
are funded for by the government. It is time we recognize the significance of this program. Why
not give them a reward for all they have done? A reward that extends the amount of resources
available in the palm of their hands. A reward that can be used to improve the lives of many and
keep innovation steady rather than slow it down. Greater benefits will only be an incentive for
NASA to continue their efforts for the good of humanity, to challenge the curiosity of mankind,
to test their knowledge, to reach further, and go beyond the boundaries.

Works Cited
Amanwel, Juvanee. Personal Interview. 22 May 2014.

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Benefits of Space Exploration. Space Exploration. Web. 22 May 2014. <http://www.spaceexploration.org/?page_id=12>.
Benefits Stemming From Space Exploration. NASA. Web. 21 May 2014.
<http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/Benefits-Stemming-from-SpaceExploration-2013-TAGGED.pdf>.
Bolden, Charles Jr. NASA Occupations. NASA Jobs. Web. 16 May 2014.
<http://nasajobs.nasa.gov/jobs/occupations.htm>.
Federal Spending: Where Does the Money Go. National Priorities Project. Web. 16 May
2014. <https://www.nationalpriorities.org/budget-basics/federal-budget-101/spending/>.
Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Estimates. NASA. PDF. 21 May 2014.
<http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/FY15_Summary_Brief.pdf>.
Lockney, Daniel. Spinoffs of Tomorrow. Technology Transfer Program: Bringing NASA
Technology Down to Earth. NASA Headquarters 2013. Web. 23 May 2014.
<http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff_tomorrow.pdf>.
Mariotto, Janice. Personal interview. 22 May 2014
Minard, Anne. Moon Landing Facts: Apollo 11 at 40. National Geographic. National
Geographic Society, 15 July 2009. Web. 18 May 2014.
<http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/07/090715-moon-landing-apollofacts.html >.
Roadmap-Mission-Mars one. Mars One. Web. 21 May 2014. <http://www.marsone.com/mission/roadmap>.
Savage, Michael. Personal interview. 23 May 2014

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Smith, Jane Wilcox, Carol Sullivan. American Government. Upper Saddle River: Pearson, 2009.
Print.
Templar, Richard. Fiscal Year 2014 Budget of the U.S. Government. Budget. Pearson
Education, 2001. PDF. 16 May 2014.
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2014/assets/budget.pdf>.
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers.
Appropriations Committee Releases the Fiscal Year 2014 Commerce, Justice, Science
Appropriations Bill. Web. 18 May 2014.
<http://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=341771>.
Vaughan, Diane. The Challenger Launch Decision: Risky Technology, Culture, and Deviance at
NASA. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2009. Print.