On July 20, 1969, the first humans walked on the moon. This historical event was both a literal and symbolic testament to America’s innovation and dedication to exploration, as well as to the successes of what we know as NASA: the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Apollo 11 lunar mission was hailed as a monumental success, and its astronauts were crowned as American heroes who won the space race.

But the lesser known part of the story is that even as Neil Armstrong was making those historic lunar steps, public interest in moon missions was already beginning to wane. Mankind may have taken “one giant leap,” but the American public was taking a step back from its support of NASA. That trend has continued to this day, as NASA drifts even more into obscurity.

After almost 40 years, perceptions of NASA have transformed from the American badge of honor into just another bureaucratic organ of an already bloated government. Most Americans were not moved by President Bush’s mandate to send manned missions to Mars, nor did they notice the quiet retirement of the Space Shuttle, which set up a long-overdue upgrade of the space technologies developed in the 1970s. On the negative side, in November of last year, astronaut Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper accidentally dropped a tool bag worth $100,000 outside the International Space Station while on a spacewalk. This rather expensive bag is still orbiting the earth, but an aloof public cannot be bothered. At this critical point in American history, as technological dependence grows exponentially, America just cannot afford to dismiss NASA.

NASA is not defined simply by the space program. NASA funds and organizes an astonishing array of scientific and engineering research, the kind of basic research that is absolutely critical for continuing America’s impressive history of technological breakthroughs. The University of Kansas has always been deeply ingrained in research sponsored by NASA. The University has its list of notable space scientists, including Clyde Tombaugh, the alumnus credited with the discovery of Pluto. By supporting NASA, Americans are also supporting university research around the country.

What America needs today is another space race, and one might just be on its way. Foreign nations around the globe have begun to invest in similar governmentally sponsored space programs. The Indian Space Research Organization landed its first unmanned moon probe last year and has just revealed plans to send a manned spacecraft into orbit by 2015. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has plans for a moon base by 2030, and the China National Space Administration celebrated its first spacewalk last year. NASA has the longest history and the best track record, but the scientific endeavors of these foreign nations are growing. If NASA does not receive public support and follow suit, it may become obsolete on the world stage.

The support of a grateful nation will not go unrewarded, as there is much to look forward to from NASA in the coming years. The Constellation project has replaced the Space Shuttle program and will be responsible for developing the next generation of spacecraft to deliver a new round of astronauts to the moon. The International Space Station is a testament to global cooperation and deserves our attention. And even without considering the truly astounding achievements NASA has made and should continue to make, Americans should keep a watchful eye on NASA if only to ensure that no more $100,000 tool bags go missing.

— Folmsbee is a Topeka junior in neurobiology.