Welcome to the blog for the Arizona Arts, Sciences and Technology Academy’s (AASTA’s) report on the economic impact of the Astronomy, Planetary and Space Science (APSS) Research. The final copy of the report can be found here.
This report tells us that:
Research in Astronomy, Planetary Sciences and Space Sciences is a core strength of Arizona’s economy.
According to the economic analysis contained in the report, in 2006 alone, research in astronomy and space and planetary sciences provided over a $250 million in economic impact to Arizona. To put that in perspective, that is the equivalent of the economic impact of the Super Bowl every two years.
Arizona, like most of the nation, is facing an uncertain economic future in the near term. But one thing is not uncertain and that is the importance of astronomy, space and planetary research to Arizona’s economy.
There are real threats that will diminish the economic contributions of research in these fields. Immediate and decisive action must be taken so that will continue to realize the economic benefit of astronomy and space and planetary sciences.
The purpose of this blog is to monitor the steps that will be taken to respond to the issues raised in the report. Check back here often or you can subscribe to it using your favorite news reader.
