The American space program is one of the best models of business, industry, and government cooperation. It was typical of past economic projects of the old Whigs, which us the Erie Canal, our railroads, and the Panama Canal. The program impacted all phases of American business. On October 4, 1957, the Russian satellite Sputnik rocked the United States. Sputnik galvanized and strengthened America’s resolve to compete with the Soviet Union in a space race. The nation’s fears and security became channeled in the Cold War space race, which united the nation’s resources. In 1958, the government created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and launched its first satellite. The real race began in 1961. With America continuing to fall more behind, President John F. Kennedy announced America’s goal to reach the moon. Outside of war, rarely has a nation been so set on a national goal as America in the space race. The space race would increase business and commerce for every tax dollar spent. The manned space program was the largest government investment, surpassing the Panama Canal; but unlike the canal, commercial value was measured in spin-offs versus the end goal. The commercial spin-offs included solar batteries, new materials, computer advances, improved communications, new robotics, and weapons systems. The program made major advances in manufacturing design and management approaches to product improvements. NASA’s organizational infrastructure of process and project management proved highly successful to coordinate private (schools and industry) and military enterprises. Millions of Americans at factories across the USA were proud of their role in making the thousands of parts. Never since have we had the leadership of Kennedy in a version of the old Whig idea of economic nationalism.
NASA estimates that for every dollar spent in the space program, the country receives $7 in increased jobs and income. There is no question that the space program has proven to be the best economic stimulus of American business. Spin-offs became a new business-government model. Its impact went far beyond directly measured benefits. There was an inspirational factor not seen in projects like the Panama Canal and the Hoover Dam. Today a simple 2 million dollar robot race challenge created priceless technology for the Defense Department. The point is that well planned and focused government investment can strengthen our nation. Unfortunately, today we waste billions with negative returns. Americans need leadership and real goals not endless spending.
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