Challenge in United States Space Policy - Assignment Example

The policy was intended at designing and building a replacement for the space shuttle by 2008. The National Aeronautics and Spaces were therefore compelled to undertake an instance reset of its priority, incorporate scientific findings in their work, and undertake intensive environmental research to facilitate the program. Therefore, the challenge of United States of America policy necessitated intensive research to address environmental complications in the country (Jared. and Joshua, 2007)

Background

The ability of the Soviet Union to manufacture a satellite in 1957 raised an alarm to the United States of America believed to be the world leader in missile development and space technology. To counter the threat, the United States of America instituted mechanisms and institutions to safeguard its superiority in space technology. In early 1970, the United States of America instituted various plans to access Mars and other universe spaces. The process of exploring the environment was very intensive in the 1990s. The country achieved significant success in its space exploration in the late 1990s. However, the government has encountered consistent problems in funding some of its programs. In 2004, the then United States of America President George Bush approved a policy that was meant to expand the country’s competence in space exploration. However, the policy encountered consistent challenges and critics from various professionals and environmental experts. To ensure the success of the policy United States of America has come up with measures to fund the activities and operations of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (a body that is mandated with researching space exploration) (George and Neal, 2009)

Underlying Causes
The main challenge in the implementation of the United States of America space policy is consistent disapproval of the programs by various professionals, political elites, and legal experts. The Democratic Party has consistently condemned the policy terming it as costly and unproductive. The cost of implementing the programs is extremely high. Therefore, the lack of adequate resources has turned out to be a major challenge that tampers with the full implementation of the policy. Moreover, the expected shortfalls in the United States' engineering and science workforce have significantly affected the policy. The fourth core cause of the challenges in the United States of America's space policy is inadequate future planning in NASA as well as United States civil space initiatives. The loss of international support and cooperation is also another main challenge in addressing the environmental challenges in the United States of America.

Policy Options
Searching for support from all players is one of the main means of solving the policy challenge. The United States of America Republican Party ought to enlighten the Democratic Party members on the significance of the policy to the country’s environmental development and reputation. Political elites should as well have the political will to address the emerging policy challenges in the country. Moreover, for the policy to realize its long-term plan, it ought to be fully equipped with the necessary resources. As a result, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders in the United States of America to ensure that the policy is provided with the required financial, legal,l and technical support. International support is as well incredibly essential in addressing challenges in United States space policy. The United States of America government ought to seek support from other international governments to avoid unnecessary resistance (Joan, 2007)

Solution
In general, the most effective means of addressing policy challenges in the United States of America is to facilitate extensive consultation between all players. It is the responsibility of the government and other involved players to ensure that, stakeholders understand the importance of the policy on the environment and economic development. International government and non-government institutions should as well be included in the formulation, execution, and evaluation of the policy. Political leaders, therefore, need to have a political will and commitment to initiate comprehensive dialogues and consultation to reduce unnecessary resistance.

Based on the severe impact of the policy challenges, the inclusion of all players as well as extensive internal and external consultation is the most effective means of addressing the policy challenge in the United States of America. The consultation will help the United States government to update stakeholders and the public on the importance of the policy to their environmental and economic development. The consultation will provide a platform for the critics of the policy to express their disappointment to the relevant authority for immediate action. The interaction will also advance the feeling of ownership among all players in the environment sector. Read More