5.6 Aerospace and Defense

 The U.S. has provided many career opportunities for engineers since the 1960’s.

 After the loss of the Columbia space shuttle in 2003, NASA’s future was re-evaluated, with the needs for spending in other areas caused a massive budget cut to the space program, creating an unstable job market for engineers in aerospace and defense.

 Conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe have shown that America must be a militarily prepared nation

 With the President’s increased budget of NASA in 2013 to $17.7 Billion, it ensures a potential for new space capabilities, and making air travel both safer and more affordable.

 A key component of in the future of America’s Aerospace future is partnering with U.S. industry,through selling commercial tickets on space rides, with NASA then buying seats for their astronauts on these “space taxis”.