Does NASA need a supplemental budget?
The basis for supplemental budgets for the war in Iraq has been that we can’t predict the future course of a war and thus can’t make long term budget projects in a normal FYDP manner. Thus, by using a more dynamic supplemental budget process we can respond to changing situations. Whether you agree with the Iraq war or how the supplemental process is being used, there is a certain level of fundamentally valid logic to the argument.
Now let’s turn to NASA. There is a CNN report today that discusses a $4 million shortfall in the NASA budget and that the MARS rover program may feel the budget axe. Here’s my premise; NASA planned for a 90 day MARS rover exploration program and engineered the rover for this goal. NASA couldn’t have predicted how successful the rovers would be (4+ years), thus they should be consider part of a supplemental budget. Thus, NASA can continue with their long term projects with stable funding AND keep the unpredictably successful rover program moving forward!
Let’s hear it for supplementals….. at least for NASA!
Posted: March 25th, 2008 under General.
Tags: budget, Iraq, Mars, NASA, rover, supplemental, war