Many reasons and scenarios could do it. And as you say - it would be a controversial subject that could spark many different viewpoints. I would summarize my opinion and probably mine alone as one thing thus - if the U.S. ever elected several extreme Right or Left governments in a row, that could jeopardize NASA and several similar agencies. Extremists both have different reasons to dislike such an agency.
So, my question - what is some sort of event, or cultural shift, or .... that could result in NASA getting zeroed out, or at least very very hurt budgetarily speaking? Please don't say something like "proof that the moon landings were faked" or something akin to that. If you can't think of anything, or think this is a stupid topic, please don't respond.
NASA is safe as long as the country continues to function, but there is no guarantee of that.
NASA and the rest of the country will be fine if we ever elect any adults that can do basic math.
The only way out of this mess is to cut the budget and raise taxes. Not too much either way, but an appropriate balance to right the ship of state.
Quote from: RonM on 03/17/2017 01:56 pmNASA is safe as long as the country continues to function, but there is no guarantee of that.That's pretty harsh. You make it sound like the US is close to being a failed democracy. Quote from: RonMNASA and the rest of the country will be fine if we ever elect any adults that can do basic math. That sound like you doubt the abilities of the present Congress to do so?As an outsider that sounds quite hard to believe. OTOH I can certainly believe that quite a few members may be "failing to understand" the situation, for various reasons. Upton Sinclair''s quote about "No man is so ignorant as one whose livelihood depends on his ignorance" comes to mind. Quote from: RonMThe only way out of this mess is to cut the budget and raise taxes. Not too much either way, but an appropriate balance to right the ship of state.It's interesting you mention that Clinton was able to get things done,despite Republican control. In theory a Republican President with a Republican majority in both houses houses has practically no impediments to taking whatever action is necessary to create a more financially stable and productive economy.Provided of course they are convinced of the need to do so and they can get the members of the Party to agree.
Events such as a launch vehicle explosion could be a threat to the continuance of an agency... such as what happened to the Soviet N1 might be a good example. Being sober minded helps to focus on safety to prevent impacts to an organization. I'm sure the N1 program was as sober minded at the time as anyone else. This was described as being the largest man made non nuclear explosion with about 1.5 million pounds of rocket fuel exploding.
what is something that could really endanger NASA, in your opinion?
NASA's budget is 0.5% of the Federal budget.