Red Planet Means Business

With the favorable publicity of the Mars landing, major contractors say they are counting on President George Bush coming through to reinvigorate the business of space.





Mars Photo Courtesy of NASA



Contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing say that the U.S. has lacked a clear sense of direction for the space program for the last 30 years. They are looking forward to President Bush's announcement next week in which he unveils his ambitious goals for the space program. Among the items expected in the announcement: returning to the Moon and sending astronauts to Mars.



The contractors say that not only must there be a clear vision, but there must be some money put behind it.





New investment in the U.S. space program could mean substantial new business for prime contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. And it will also be good news for those small businesses which are subcontractors. A rising tide raises all ships.