NASA Mentioned in State of the Union – the NASA of 50 Years Ago

Obama to Declare ‘The Rules Have Changed’ (text of President’s Speech), National Journal
“Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch of a satellite called Sputnik, we had no idea how we’d beat them to the moon. The science wasn’t there yet. NASA didn’t even exist. But after investing in better research and education, we didn’t just surpass the Soviets; we unleashed a wave of innovation that created new industries and millions of new jobs.
This is our generation’s Sputnik moment. Two years ago, I said that we needed to reach a level of research and development we haven’t seen since the height of the Space Race. In a few weeks, I will be sending a budget to Congress that helps us meet that goal. We’ll invest in biomedical research, information technology, and especially clean energy technology – an investment that will strengthen our security, protect our planet, and create countless new jobs for our people.”
Keith’s note: Alas, the President is talking about what NASA did half a century ago – not what it is doing today or what it is going to do in the years ahead – or whether NASA is even relevant.