posted 03-10-2005 12:02 PM               

quote:

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Many Americans have questioned repeatedly the usefulness of the International Space Station, but it stands as NASA's only gateway at the moment to the rest of the solar system. Without the station - or something comparable - it will be difficult if not impossible for U.S. engineers and scientists to do the research necessary to make interplanetary travel possible.

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posted 03-11-2005 01:47 PM               

Unfortunately due to the ever changing level of support from Congress, the ISS may never be able to fulfill its full potential. But it will stand as a testament that nations can come together and accomplish a project. It's up to us however to keep the heat on and not let the government retreat from space exploration for a short term gain. (Don't need to start singing to the choir) We will benefit from work done on ISS just not as much as we could have.