Indisputably inspiring, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released its first photos from the James Webb Telescope this month. These breathtaking images proved the telescope’s successes in clarity and range over the former purveyor of these galaxies, the 1990 Hubble Telescope, and demonstrated our growing awareness of the universe. Yet some still doubt the allocation of federal funds for this exploration, not grasping that federally-funded space exploration promotes innovation, intergovernmental collaboration, and a stronger STEM workforce.
Launched in December of last year with a $10 billion budget, the James Webb telescope uses infrared imaging to look billions of years into the past, while also providing present-day technological insights for future development. More permeable than visible light and better at viewing cold space phenomena, the telescope encourages meteorological and forest fire research, technology for physical therapy, and examination of vegetation and soil health. Further investments in infrared imaging and telescopes stimulate innovations in disaster prevention, pollution monitoring, hydrocarbon research, robotics, and agriculture in extreme conditions. Without NASA engineered technology, LED lights, AirPods, and today’s baby formula would not exist.
The Webb Launch shows the American people what international collaboration can look like. A joint effort with the European Space Agency (ESA), the launch upholds the Biden administration’s commitment to peaceful international relations in space. Launches require intergovernmental and private sector collaboration through various federal agencies, state and private universities, and contracts with businesses or nonprofit organizations.
With a growing need for a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) workforce, Webb’s images promote interest in these fields. A 2009 Nature study saw half of its responders directly citing the Apollo missions as inspiration for pursuing science. To encourage the growth in STEM fields, NASA outsources research to universities across the country, providing funding for interested students and utilizing student discoveries in space innovations. Funds come from competitive grants, with excess launch funds repurposed for additional research.
Those with concerns regarding costs claim privately-funded missions as solutions. These concerns neglect the fact that NASA receives less than 1% of the federal budget, and as astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson argues, private companies may avoid more risky projects that won’t prove valuable to investors. The House Subcommittee on Space understands the importance of public investment in exploration and hopes to advance NASA’s economic efficiency in the next decade through increased resources for synchronized manned missions, robotics, and research and development operations. Taking on risks, promoting competition in the private sector, and inspiring patriotism necessitate public financial commitment to space travel.
In a time of uncertainty, the Webb launch and imaging exhibit positive impacts of federal funding and cooperation. Further funding for space exploration and improving its efficiency inspires trust in government as it continues to foster innovation, collaboration, and STEM education.