“Space Technology: A Critical Investment for Our Nation’s Future”

In the article “Space Technology: A Critical Investment for Our Nation’s Future”,
Bobby Braun makes an argument by presenting NASA’s contributions to the aerospace
technology. He tries to convince his audience that technology investments could have a
great impact over America’s economy and evolution. The author’s argument becomes
powerful through the usage of tactical reasoning, persuasive evidence and authoritative
observation and opinion.
Firstly, Braun introduces his argument through the usage of specific data about the
NASA’s accomplishments and their effect. The author persuades his audience by
acknowledging that “aerospace … is the largest contributor to our nation’s trade balance”.
From the very beginning, the readers are nodding in agreement with the author’s claim due
to this powerful statement. However, through the assertion that the “position is not a given”
the reader is determined to contemplate and take action in order to see improvement in the
America’s future. By presenting information and facts about NASA’s realizations “Apollo
missions, the space shuttle, the International Space Station” and how the solar system was
reached, Braun highlights the importance of technology investments.
The writer decides to go further and employ authoritative observation and opinion.
In the third paragraph, Braun cites the National Research Council – a credible source – to
give support to the argument that success cannot come without advancement, which cannot
come without the financial support: “Future U.S. leadership in space requires a foundation
of sustain technology advances”. Through the usage of references, the author legitimizes his
ideas making them credible and believable. Thus, the readers are confident of what they are
being told is correct and true.
In the following paragraphs, Braun enhances his argument by clearly showing how
the next steps in space exploration will positively affect the society. “Full use of the
International Space Station”, “American vehicles for delivering astronauts and cargo” and
“evolvable heavy-lift rocket” are just a few developments that will result in a multitude of
benefits: from safety for the explorers, to creation of more high-tech jobs which will improve
the economy. By depicting the effects, Braun empowers the readers to connect the dots on
their own, which in turn gives the reader ownership over the argument and the power to
agree with the author.
The author crafts a very persuasive argument in favor of NASA being help with
investments in order to continue its work and develop superior technology. It is through
many evidence devices that Braun sells his beliefs. Ethos, logos and informative facts all
contribute to an exceptionally well-written argument.