U.S. preeminence in space is perishable
More than 60 nations are investing in space, recognizing that a space presence raises prestige, enhances a global leadership profile and drives technology. Russia regularly flies crew and cargo to the International Space Station; the European Union and Japan also have flown automated cargo vessels to the station. China has orbited taikonauts, and India expects human launch within a decade. U.S. launch capabilities face global competition, having provided only four of the 24 worldwide commercial launches in 2009.
National leadership is vital if the United States is to continue to lead in space.
