Space Technology: A Critical Investment For Our Nation's Future?

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The question regarding the value in financially supporting large American institutions, such as NASA, has indeed generated prevalent debate. Bobby Braun addresses his individual view on this issue in his article entitled “Space Technology: A Critical Investment for Our Nation’s Future,” published on October 27, 2011, in which he argues that the United States government must continue to invest in NASA. Braun strengthens the logic and persuasiveness of his argument by incorporating facts and examples about the benefits of NASA’s contributions to American society in order to support his central claims and by asserting the long-term influence of NASA’s existence as well as a powerful call to action in order to emphasize the significance of the organization to the reader.
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Towards the beginning of his article, Braun discusses the relevance of aerospace to the American economy by stating that it is the “largest contributor to our nation’s trade balance.” He further delves into providing examples of some of the various goods NASA has produced as a result of sustained investments in its technology, and then asserts that investment in NASA benefits not only the organization, but also government agencies and commercial space missions: “NASA will mature the systems required for its future missions while providing the capabilities and lowering the cost of other government agency and commercial space activities. Developing these solutions will create high-tech jobs.” Braun includes these statements in his article as they support his central argument that NASA should receive federal funding. Moreover, by stating that government investment in NASA will “lower the cost of other

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