Donald Trump recently announced his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget is an abridged version as all incoming presidents create a lighter budget plan due to the reduced amount of time to go over everything.
One portion of the budget is designed to focus on NASA and the idea of allowing commercial companies the ability to build and produce equipment used for space travel.
Many individuals dating back to the Obama Administration have been critical of the United States government looking to the commercial sector to produce space ships and hardware for space travel. However, what many who complain do not realize is this practice has long been the standpoint of governments around the world.
During the early days of aviation, governments and militaries did not see much use in aviation. In the early 1900s, almost all advancements in aviation took place in the private sector. By the time World War I rolled around, militaries eventually saw the potential.
Due to the competition of companies around the globe, aviation proved to be a major tool during the global conflict. This has continued since then, with private companies producing much of what the United States military uses in terms of equipment, machines and weaponry. Very little is produced by a government controlled program. Space travel is following suit.
How much is Trump allocating to NASA and how does it compare with past administrations? Check out the video to find out.
