THE FOLLY OF “FREEDOM”: JASA’S BILLION-DOLLAR 300NDOGGLE

3y LANCER

Question: Ina time of “‘restraint,’’ why is the United tates government sending hundreds of billions of ollars up insmoke?

,nswer: Good question.

he above answer presents the kind of flat affect hich typifies most responses to queries regarding

ne necessity of manned space travel. The lack ofa bstantial reason for promoting the continuation of ch an enormously expensive venture belies the term responsible government.’’ Last week’s highly blicized launch of the space shuttle ‘‘Discovery’’ ith Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar aboard was e latest instalment in this never-ending story of

gh-tech, high adventure, and low returns. Seeking to leviate the cost of their prodigality, the U.S. has nerously opened its heavenly enterprises to foreign vestment; thus adding a Canadian twist to this

smic case of conspicuous consumption.

Derating under the guise of scientific scholarship, ASA has appropriated $120 billion forthe altinationally endowed space station ‘‘Freedom,”’ to nich Canada is a contributor. Considering the fact

atan unmanned space platform could achieve practi-

ily the same results for one-tenth the cost, (a fact

rich NASA guilelessly acknowledges) one cannot

lp but question the enthusiasm for such an endeav-

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nust be understood that this is a programcreated d driven --for the most part-- by middle-aged men. recent survey of NASA personnel found that their prage age was 45; placing them in their impression- € youth during the heady days of the Mercury, miniand Apollo programs. Adventure, ambition, 1, above all, patriotic pride marked their introduc- nto the space program. Although the unifying nificance of the latter is not to be dismissed, $120 lion seems like a high price to pay in order to

sfy some vague notion of national pride.

mittedly, there is something uniquely edifying jut the image of human space exploration. It resents the pinnacle of earthly progress; the touch-

stone of technological accomplishment. Itrepresents the best of our world: raw human courage coupled with the sophistication of science. And if something is to be said for judging a society on the basis of its wants as opposed to its needs, then the innate human curiosity which compels humanity to explore space must be the desire to which we owe our reprieve. In light of the present human condition, however, this position becomes less tenable. Considering the myriad of social and environmental concerns facing the planet today, spaceflight represents a colossal misdirection of capital. NASA resembles a spoiled child, demanding expensive toys ata time when his parents are going broke.

Perhaps there is something in the American psyche that does not want to admit the space program is not affordable. Its very existence validates their own inflated conceptions regarding their limitations, both technological and financial. Perhaps it makes them feel young again. But in a nation where the average citizen cannot afford extensive medical treatment, the plea for more space funding has a resoundingly hol- low ring to It.

Ultimately, NASA is an agency held captive by a group of incurable, middle-aged romantics.

LANCER isa freelance contributor to the X-PRESS.

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