Since Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon in July 1969, the US has been the preeminent leader in space technology and space exploration. This preeminence has led to the development of a number of scientific and technological breakthroughs for government, businesses and individuals. Beginning in the 1970s, however, America’s direction in space became more clouded. The US, foolhardily decided to invest billions in the clearly flawed space shuttle program. Even today, some NASA officials (including its administrator, Michael Griffin) admit the shuttle program was misguided at best (and a failure at worse).

In spite of these set backs and lack of focus, America has still led in space technology and space exploration. This is evidenced in the success of NASA’s unmanned space program and the pioneering achievements in satellite technology. Recently, efforts have been made to refocus America’s direction in space. NASA has finally decided to scrap the shuttle program and focus on more efficient and cost effective space delivery systems. The US, under President Bush’s direction has also committed itself to a return to the moon by 2018, it remains to be seen if the US can achieve this goal. To do so, NASA will have to re-direct resources to focus on the moon program. Sadly, we spend billions on pork projects and welfare initiatives to buy votes from Topeka to Nome, but won’t lift a finger to spend on projects that enhance our national prominence, advanced science and technology or spur business development in areas where it is most needed.

China has also set its eyes on the moon and may achieve the goal of landing men on the moon by 2017, one year before the United States. While the US struggles to get children interested in science and technology, Chinese schools have to chase prospective students away with a stick. In America we spend billions each year on education, yet we continue to falter. In America science and technology businesses are forced to hire foreigners because there aren’t enough Americans to fill the ranks. America is quickly loosing its grip. Our obsession with pop culture, football stars and the inane is causing America to fall behind in the race for dominance. Is China’s move into space a threat to the United States? No. China’s success in space and in other aspects of science and technology is symbolic, however. It signifies a decline in American know-how and American innovation. As we struggle to teach children to read on their grade level, our rivals will soon eclipse us. Perhaps we are wrong; perhaps China’s moves will do for America what Sputnik did in the late 1950s. Perhaps Americans will begin a new love affair with science. Perhaps children (and their parents), will demand improvements in science education. Who are we fooling though? How can the periodic table stand up to Britney Spears and Lebron James? It can’t and soon, American may not be able to stand as well.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/2005-11-07-nasa-foreign-competition_x.htm