NOAA vs. NASA

Both the NOAA and NASA are funded by the United States government to support unique missions. While each organization’s mission is unique, many of the tools and techniques utilized by one organization can be or are used by the other. In this aspect, these organizations can be considered sister organizations. However, which organization will receive more funding or any funding at all? We live in a time of every organization within the government, to include the military, are dealing with budget cuts. The NOAA’s website states “from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor” (Sullivan, 2014). The oceans cover 70% of the earth’s surface. The magnitude of the area of responsibility of the NOAA is astounding. The people of the United States utilize studies and services of the NOAA on a daily basis and many Americans don’t even know anything about it. Funding has already began to cause some possible issues for the NOAA. An article on The Washington Post’s website states “Two of NOAA’s current satellites are not fully functional, and the third is nearing the end of its life” (Freedman, 2011). If the NOAA is already having these issues with previous budget cuts, what could further reduction in funding cause? The NOAA and NASA work together in many missions. The NOAA utilizes NASA’s capabilities to put satellites in orbit. NASA utilizes the NOAA’s research and technology for deep ocean submersion to assist with deep space exploration. Many of NASA’s astronauts train in a pool to simulate zero gravity. The equipment that NASA uses has to remain air tight in space just as in water. In an article by Juliet Eilperin, the announcement of President Obama’s reorganization plan to move the NOAA to the Interior Department has been casing some controversy (Eilperin, 2012). Within the article there are many statements that show how this could be beneficial or detrimental pending on how the move is handled. The question remains, would this move cause the funding to be cut further or to be merged and limited by the organization(s) it would be joining?

Works Cited
Eilperin, J. (2012, January 22). Health & Science. Retrieved from The Washingotn Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/noaas-proposed-move-raises-questions-about-its-role/2012/01/20/gIQANNPYJQ_story.html
Freedman, A. (2011, August 21). National. Retrieved from The Washingotn Post: C:\Users\Bill\AppData\Local\Temp\Funding cuts could hamper forecasting, meteorologists and federal officials say - The Washington Post.mht
Sullivan, D. K. (2014). About NOAA. Retrieved from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration: http://www.noaa.gov/about-noaa.html