Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

The following sections will discuss the cost of building and operating a Space Station,
the effect of Space Station expenditures on the economy, the potential savings on planned
missions, the new or improved capabilities that will be provided by a Space Station, the
influence of new technology on the economy, and the opportunities for new space industries.
. . .
[20] 8.0 CONCLUSIONS
The acquisition of a Space Station will substantially enhance the ability of NASA to
more effectively perform the planned space missions of the 1990’s and will establish an
exciting capability for the post 2000’s that could foster the growth of a broad range of
financially attractive space endeavors. The Space Station is a project that is consistent with
existing NASA budget levels and does not conflict with the nation’s economic policies of
a balanced budget and reduced Federal deficits. In fact, the capabilities offered by the
Space Station result in cost savings through the 1990’s that are approximately equal to the
cost of the project. 4 Larger economic benefits are expected beyond the year 2000.
The existence of a Space Station will also stimulate evolving commercial opportunities
in space. It will provide a permanently manned and easily accessible research and
development facility for new space ventures and ensure the nation’s leadership in the
industrial frontiers of space.
The real value of a Space Station, however, extends beyond economic benefits.
The Space Station will also continue the unbroken chain of United States advances in
space technology that has existed for 25 years. It will once again demonstrate the industrial
prowess and military strength that has made the United States a great nation. It will
also enhance the confidence and pride the people of this country have for their nation.
[21] REFERENCES . . .
EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN 451
4. “Space Station Needs, Attributes and Architectural Options Study: Final Report,”
Contract NASW-3680 (eight reports by various authors), 1983.
Document III-11
Document title: “The Economic Impact of the Space Program: A Macro and Industrial
Perspective,” prepared for Rockwell International by The WEFA Group, Bala Cynwyd,
Pennsylvania, May 1994, pp. 1–4 (reprinted with permission).
Source: NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA History Office, NASA
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
To support the space station program, Rockwell International commissioned WEFA (which had
merged with Chase) to conduct an analysis of the industrial and economic impacts of the space station
program expenditures. It did not calculate impacts of new technology, but instead focused on the
total multiplier impact on jobs and income from NASA. This study was used to develop political support
for the space station by illustrating that investments in high-tech industries were beneficial. It did
not analyze impacts if the money had been spent elsewhere or if there had been a tax cut of equal proportions.
The following is just the report’s executive summary.