NASA: A Modest Proposal

Remember the people who claimed that the moon landing was faked, that it was a cleverly designed hoax like Orson Welles's "War of the Worlds." Maybe they actually had the right idea. George Bush wants to starve space science so that there will be more money for human exploration of space. Since he's never actually going to provide enough money for a serious effort, why not simply fund George Lucas to produce some first-rate human space adventures. It can be compelling TV, rich in the danger, drama, majesty, and heroism that Bush thinks will inspire the public. An actual flight will produce no more than that. The money that is saved can then be spent on boring science that will produce useful and important results, but little drama. The result will be an ideal space program that delivers thrills and knowledge without busiting the budget.