ABSTRACT
Civilian space activity carried out by the US government contributes to US national security through its relevant scientific and technological accomplishments. It also contributes to the international prestige and national pride of the United States that result from its achievements. Looking at the civilian space program through this lens provides an important perspective on the development and implementation of civilian space policy. It also provides one justification for the continuing large government investments in the US civilian space program, both in absolute terms and in comparison to the investments of other leading countries. For example, in 2008 the United States’ share of global government spending on civilian space activities was approximately 60 percent of the world’s total.
