For every dollar spent on space exploration, the U.S. economy gains eight. Yes, you read that right—a staggering 8-to-1 ROI (return on investment). To put this in perspective, the defense industry—boasting the largest budget in the U.S. government—delivers a comparatively modest 2-to-1 ROI.
Let’s consider the Apollo Program, which not only achieved monumental space milestones but also laid the foundation for technologies like GPS. Initially developed for military use, GPS has since revolutionized the civilian economy, contributing $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy and saving untold vehicle-miles and gallons of fuel. This transformative impact demonstrates how investments in space exploration can ripple across industries, benefiting both national defense and civilian life.
Now, imagine if we applied this same principle to address pressing challenges like rising sea levels. The U.S. Navy predicts that many of its ports will become unusable due to flooding. What if the military directed part of its budget toward space-based technologies, such as those used by NOAA’s satellites, to develop solutions for rising oceans? The potential savings—for rebuilding ports, safeguarding states like Florida, and mitigating insurance losses—are immense.
The ROI doesn’t stop at dollars saved. By investing in space exploration, we unlock innovations that enhance our national security, bolster the economy, and improve lives. The Apollo Program proved this decades ago, and the Artemis Program promises to do the same.
Supporting space exploration isn’t just about reaching the stars; it’s about securing our future here on Earth. With an 8-to-1 ROI, it’s a smart investment in innovation, defense, and economic growth.
Let’s Take Action Together!
The Moon’s legacy lives in our technology. The legacy of Apollo still fuels our modern lives. It’s time to spread the word about what space exploration does for us. And the next time you use GPS, tip your hat to the Moon.
The legacy of the LRRR experiment is vast. From pinpointing the Earth’s distance from the Moon to inspiring the GPS technology we rely on daily, this small device has done so much. To see more details on how the LRRR works, check out our post, Laser Ranging Retro Reflector. See more articles like this at our Blog – Spacecraft Guide. Share this article to show why we must keep reaching for the stars.