AIA | Election 2008 Issues

Keeping America Strong: Advance U.S. Global Leadership in Aerospace and Defense

America's Future Depends on Maintaining Space Leadership

space buzz

Originally developed to computer-enhance pictures of the moon for the Apollo program, CT scan and MRI technologies are widely used today to locate tumors and other health issues in people.

Emergency airbags in cars rely on the same technologies developed to power rocket engines.

Space Exploration Keeps America on the Cutting Edge

Investments by the United States in civil and military space programs over the past five decades have been an impetus for global technological advances and economic benefits. Continuing our commitment to remain the world leader in space is essential to maintaining our cutting edge in education, discovery, and innovation.

The year 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the United States in space. For many of us, it's hard to imagine what life was like before space-based advances. Human space flight defines us as a world leader and remains one of the great inspirations that guide young people into important science and engineering professions. Amazing pictures of deep space from the Hubble Telescope and video of astronauts building the International Space Station excite and entice the next generation.

Advances in engineering and science, initiated by the moon race in the 1960s, were made possible by a solid investment in education and driven by inspiration to explore the unknown.

What America Needs:

Steady increases in funding for NASA to sustain and expand the full range of exploration, science, and aeronautics missions.
Inspiration for the nation's future workforce through incentives for teachers and students to pursue careers that stem from math, science, and engineering.
Commitment to research by investing in the development and testing of innovative technologies and new concepts.

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