We know what we got from the interstate highway system—fast, easy transportation, the creation of the suburbs, an entire transformation of our way of life. What did we get economically from the space program, especially the manned portion? Much, much less.
BusinessWeek chief economist Michael Mandel • Pointing out the very low cost-benefit ratio of our space program. We’re not sure if financial benefit should be the only consideration of something like NASA, but points out that, with inflation considered, we spent $176 billion on NASA during the height of the space race era, 1962-1972. Comparatively, we spent $220 billion on highways during that same period. Like we said, not sure we agree, but something to consider. • source