The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an important part of United States history, accounting for massive leaps in the science, technology, and economy of the nation.
NASA invests efficiently in business: A 2002 study showed there is a large return to the companies who work with NASA. These companies are able to commercialize the products developed and market them. The companies studied received $1.5 billion in benefits from an investment of $64 million.
Along with the benefits to small business, NASA largely affects US GDP, and the economy as a whole, contributing to $180 Billion to the US economy, out of their ~18 Billion dollar budget.
NASA leads to scientific discovery and inventions.
NASA inspires, as well contributing to major public policy reforms.