As NASA begins implementing the Vision for Space Exploration, some in Congress ask if the country can afford the mission. That's why the Citizens for Space Exploration will be educating the Congress on the benefits of the Vision to the country during its annual visit to Washington, D.C. May 14-17.

The organization, administered through the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, is comprised of a diverse group of small and large business representatives, students and teachers, and county/municipal officials and employees who support America's investment in space exploration.

'Congress has endorsed the Vision for Space Exploration as the law of the land.

But the competition for budget resources is fierce, and there are no guarantees America's space exploration program will stay on track over the long haul,- said Joe Mayer, chair of the grass-roots group.

2007 marks the 16th annual trip of CSE - formerly known as National Keep It Sold - to Washington, D.C. for meetings with Congress. CSE's bottom-line message was to advocate no less than full funding of NASA's budget request and continued support for the Vision for Space Exploration.

While in Washington, CSE members attended a partner appreciation breakfast sponsored by the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) recognizing the efforts of NASA and its contractors to assist non-space small businesses with various technical challenges needed to make their products and /or services commercially successful.

More than 140 citizen taxpayers - including 30 students/educators - from 25 states will meet with approximately 300 congressional offices to advocate on behalf of NASA and the Vision. Members and/or staff will be provided with a standard briefing paper that reviews the benefits of space exploration and the importance of full funding for NASA, as well as the CSE newsletter and other background information concerning the Vision and its importance to all Americans. Members and staff also participated in a congressional reception hosted by the CSE.

Space exploration generates new knowledge and opportunity, which in turn stimulate the economy, making our country more competitive in the global marketplace. The space program employs thousands across the United States and puts large and small suppliers to work, stimulating local economies in the states where these businesses operate. Every state in the nation receives funding, directly from NASA and indirectly through NASA contractors and suppliers.

For those who don't work in the space program, the benefits are still striking. Cell phones, laptop computers and GPS devices came from the need to send someone into space.

Another reason to stay on the cutting edge of space is the issue of national security and U.S. preeminence. U.S. leadership in space is being challenged by the emerging space-faring nations around the world. At least 50 nations have already embraced the difficult business of space exploration. China has already launched a man into space and has its sights set on a space station and landing a man on the moon.

Space has contributed to our health on the planet as well. Every American is touched in some way either personally or through a loved one by NASA-derived technologies that improve the detection and/or treatment of such illnesses as diabetes or heart disease. Digital hearing aids, miniature heart and insulin pumps, cancer detection technology, fire-resistant materials, smoke detectors, LASIK eye surgery, humanitarian de-mining devices, water purification systems and numerous other medical and safety devices trace their origins to space derived technology.

Exploration to space for reasons of education and inspiration must be continued. The history books are filled with individuals who were inspired and driven to explore - Christopher Columbus, Lewis and Clark, the Wright Brothers, and Neil Armstrong - they were pioneers who made their mark on history. The space program provides unique opportunities to inspire the next generation of explorers from grade school through college.

To make an informed decision, most taxpayers will weigh the cost against the benefit. Actually, NASA¹s entire annual budget comprises less than one percent of the total annual federal budget -- about fifteen cents per day, per person.

For those who believe in NASA, the trip to Washington is an investment for the next generation of explorers and scientists. After all, they'll be leading the charge. We owe it to them to be ready for the challenge.