NASA's trumpeting it today, but how much Earth science do you want your space agency doing?

Cruz on NASA.JPG

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) talks about his view of NASA's priorities in an article this week. (National Journal)

NASA is talking proudly on its website today about the five Earth-observing satellites it has launched in the last two years. Agency leaders are pointing to accomplishments like the first global rainfall and snowfall map as examples of what we're now learning about our planet (see video below).

But is this too much Earth science and not enough space science? Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) says it is, and Cruz is now in a position to do something about it. He's just become the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee's subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness subcommittee, and he spoke out - again - on the issue in an online story in the National Journal this week, just a few days before NASA's space science roundup posted today.

NASA says Earth missions expand our view of the home planet. In addition to global rain and snowfall, the agency says new satellites are measuring "atmospheric carbon dioxide, ocean winds, clouds, and airborne particles called aerosols."

To Cruz, this is all proof NASA under the Obama administration has "undervalued space exploration (and) diverted NASA from its core priorities." He says, "We need to get back to the central mission of NASA." What is that central mission? According to the Journal article it's the "infinity and beyond" space missions that inspire Americans.

So, is it either Earth science or space science for NASA? Or should it be both? But if it's both, which is most important in a tight budget environment? It's an ongoing debate and a question that space enthusiasts will put to both candidates running for president in 2016. Give us your answer in the comments below.

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