NASA’S Luxury, At Your Expense

Extravagant Awards Ceremonies And Posh Hotels, Funded By Tax Dollars

(CBS)  Everyone knows exploring space is dangerous, and the costs are astronomical. Which is why, just last month, NASA was able to squeeze $1 billion extra from the Senate.

That very same day, NASA also posted an online notice few people saw - seeking four-star hotel bids for its December awards, CBS News correspondent Sharyl Attkisson reports.

The awards are to honor workers who've contributed to flight safety. But it's not just a low-key dinner for a handful of the best and brightest.

Try five days and four nights at a luxury Florida hotel for 300 honorees and their guest. Fancy receptions and front-row tickets to the most exciting show in the space business, the shuttle launch.

All paid for by your tax dollars.

“I think it’s kind of ironic that they’re gonna be extravagant at how they spend money and they’re coming to us saying they want more money,” Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said.

Former astronaut Bill Nelson made the case for NASA.

“Right now we’re at a critical point because NASA has been starved of funds,” Nelson, who is also a legislator, said.

At least they won't go hungry at the awards.

There's a reception to feed 750, with a "carving station with beef and turkey,” coconut fried shrimp, spring rolls, shrimp wrapped with bacon, 5-6 desserts, antipasto plates to include assorted meats, cheeses, grilled vegetables and assorted marinated vegetables, breads. And in case anyone's still hungry, that’s followed by a three-course sit-down dinner.

And most of the honorees? They're not NASA employees. They're from Boeing and other billion-dollar contractors that aren’t picking up the tab.

Bryan O'Connor is a NASA spokesman. What does he say to the criticism that these events are frivolous or extravagant?

“I think what I would do is ask the people who we have honored to give me an idea if they think this thing was reasonable, if they felt they were honored properly,” he said.

Attkisson said: “I wouldn’t ask the honorees, I would ask the people who pay for it: taxpayers.”

“It’s the cost of dinner and putting people up in a hotel for a couple of days,” O’Connor said.

What is the cost? Counting the reception ($64,000), dinner ($35,000), awards ($28,000), ground transportation (tour: $7,700; launch: $20,200), airfare ($105,000), hotel and food ($135,000 together), you’re talking $400,000 to $500,000.

If you think that's pricey, consider this: the NASA holds its big awards every time there's a shuttle launch. December's extravaganza will be the third one in 2007. Honoring all those people is costing you about $4 million a year.

If they'd have half as much money to honor people, would they be able to do it?

“If we were told that we had to reduce it I think we would reduce the number of honorees rather than trying to go to a poor place or a place that doesn’t have good service,” O’Connor said.

No risk of that anytime soon. All systems are go for NASA's December conference at a luxury Orlando hotel.

[erkman21]

In regards to your broadcast on the evening of 11-09-07, I was just simply appalled with the news report regarding NASA%u2019s spending habits. With out NASA and their personal modern life as you and I know it would not exist. There wouldn%u2019t be computers as we know it, no Velcro, no duct tape cellular communications, data networks, and the ability for cbs to broadcast live from%u2026 say London to across the United Stats.
And the Parties for NASA employees, those people more then likely work fifty plus hours a week, from the moment one shuttle takes off to when it lands then the whole thing is repeated. Scientists, engineers, IT, R&D all of those work hard; I personally have no problem with my taxes paying part of their pay checks. If NASA wasn%u2019t around life today would be deferent. Shame on you.

[bondtimbond]

I am very disappointed in the CBS Evening News story tonight regarding the alleged NASA waste at "parties" held in conjunction with every Shuttle launch. You have completely let down your audience on this story, by leaving out the real reason why NASA conducts these events. They are conducted to reward outstanding employees and contractors for contributions they have made to Flight Safety. There is no more noble cause than this. NASA is in a very dangerous business, and it requires thousands of people, in NASA and at contractors around the nation to conduct space operations safely. There are very few opportunities in the space business to acknowledge the efforts by individuals, and being a Space Flight Awareness Honoree is just about the only way that is done. Keeping employees aware of how they contribute to the success of mission and how there efforts are appreciated is a very important of safe flight operations. Spending a relatively small amount to honor outstanding employees and help motivate and reward them for focusing on flight safety is well worth it. The CBS News story completely failed to even mention the reason NASA puts on these events and also failed to discuss the positive effect they have on safe flight. Shame on CBS!

[gducote]

What a ridiculous piece. If Katie were invited to a barn in Leesburg to be honored for her work, would she go? NASA, like any large enterprise, is certainly allowed to honor its people who accomplish the impossible. They shouldn''t be ridiculed for doing what is perfectly legal and important to furthering careers in space.

[mgdvt]

Shame on you CBS. NASA employees deserve the honors for the work they do and I don''t mind my tax dollars being spent this way. This wouldn''t have happened when Walter Cronkite was Managing Editor and Anchor. And thats the way it is!

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[why_not_nar]

Sharyl,

I have generally agreed with your theme, and some of the things you have uncovered have been mind boggling. However, when doing one of these investigations, like in Watergate, it is important to stay on track. A story like this invalidates your entire series.
The folks at NASA seldom work a 40 hour week, and traditionally have been paid before industry averages for their positions. These people are among the few heroes we have. A celebration after a mission like a shuttle mission? As a tax payer fine by me. Do you know that even with the safety improvements, how dangerous space exploration still is? I think the current risk is that 1 in 100 launches will end in disaster. If necessary, the monies spent on NASA can be justified in real world advances. It is a shame that so many of their victories no longer even get our attention. Recently a moon of one of the planets was found to have water, and other conditions that might support life.
Ever think about the NASA budget in proportion to missile defense budgets, or a budget to intercept every foreign call made out of this country. You work in Washington. Perhaps you can find (if it isn%u2019t classified) what the Incremental budget is for Mr. Cheney%u2019s staff, which is 5-10 times as large as any previous Vice President.

I like your style of journalism, and have watched you for many years. This time you just got it wrong.

When we stop discovering, then we will be finally lost.

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[itgranny]

Hmmm. I work for a bunch of consulting veterinary dr''s with probably just as much schooling and prestige as these guys in their field. They put in more far more than 50 hours a week and are often away from their families. We were all just fine with a potluck supper and a round of golf for our get together.

When you''re on the government''s dime, and crying for more money, you better show that you can manage money effectively. If not, these hotshots should be working for somebody else.

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[faustogturrin]

I believe that this article was one sided concerning the cost of honoring persons who have performed at a superior level in their profession. What does private business pay to honor its outstanding individuals in similar fields? How comparable are the government salaries with those salaries of businesses in the private sector performing similar services?

I understand that this is paid by taxpayers and the private sector costs are paid ultimately by us as consumers. Therefore, we are paying one way or the other for these ceremonies. If these awards motivate persons to find new discoveries and better ways to accomplish the objectives, this appears to be a minor cost considering the benefits to mankind. I would hope you would be more objective in the future.

[pussbump]

Good job on the NASA story. I am one of the citizens of the US that is of the mind that NASA should be all but shut down. Even on the its web site NASA fails to convince a rational person the rewards verses expense argument. But don''t get me started on government funded science. OH OH! I am getting an alert from my magma monitoring link to Yellow Stone Park. It seems NASA satilites are detecting a slight rise in the magma dome under Yellow Stone. Yellow Stone may erupt in about 1000 years!!! YAAAAAH panic!

[pussbump]

Run Yogi! You too Boo Boo!

[lanelane2]

This story is short sided. I believe that these are events are to honor the best and brightest of NASA. These individuals give many hours of their life to make the space program successful. NASA and their contract employees work day & night to make a space shuttle/space station flights look "easy"...

There is nothing easy about building the first and only International Space Station "in flight".

The Space Program brings many positive things to our lives -- from velcro, rechargable batteries, and most importantly medical advances. Many more advances are TBD...as we progress.

I believe that it''s irresponsible of CBS News to air such a story without providing the "other side".

These "event participants" what was their contribution? Maybe the value of their trip is minimal compared to their worth to the space program and it''s advances to improve our life on Earth.

I love Katie -- but this story may have put me "over the edge". At least report "both sides". I will go back to NBC.

Lane -
Huntsvile, AL
Anaheim, CA
Houston, TX

[zootallures2]

NASA is nothing more than another giant military industrial complex tax scam.

[why_not_nar]

Dear Pussbump,
Do you know where 80% of the money for basic research into human disease comes from? A portion of the government called the National Institute of Health. The work that they do, and Nasa does are inextricably intertwined.
When you or your family have something terrible happen like Alzheimer''s, we will see how you feel then.
Global warming will affect the ocean levels of this planet in a lot less than 100 years. Any idea how we monitor that? Yes, through the satellites that NASA has put in orbit.

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I''m not sure about the former." A. Einstein

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." M. Luther King, Jr.

[zootallures2]

There is nothing easy about building the first and only International Space Station "in flight".
Posted by lanelane2 at 07:55 PM : Nov 09, 2007

The outer layers of the earth''s atmosphere is not space. International Orbiting Station is more like it.

[why_not_nar]

Dear Pussbump,
Do you know where 80% of the money for basic research into human disease comes from? A portion of the government called the National Institute of Health. The work that they do, and Nasa does are inextricably intertwined.
When you or your family have something terrible happen like Alzheimer''s, we will see how you feel then.
Global warming will affect the ocean levels of this planet in a lot less than 100 years. Any idea how we monitor that? Yes, through the satellites that NASA has put in orbit.

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I''m not sure about the former." A. Einstein

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." M. Luther King, Jr.

[pussbump]

NASA has no value in present time. The civilian sector is able to take over from here. If there is a value to pursure further space science then the civilian sector will pursue it. If it is for national defense then the "Space Command" of the Air Force can take care of it. We have a national weather service, Geological Administration, etc. etc. NASA has outlived its usefullness. Hell it is cheaper to hire out a satalite launch than to let NASA do it. Sheeeeees

[madscience2]

Not only are these self promoting, over zealous mad space scientist spending tax payer dollars to party, they are washing their hands for liability of increasing global warming. Every time the space shuttle launches, it releases 60 tons of HCL, 20 tons close enough to the earth''s surface to do permanant damage...Yeah. Thanks I don''t need their fantasies to threaten our world''s environment.

[bpb58]

I am one of the NASA employees that was honored as a Space Flight Awareness honoree. Yes, it''s a very nice event, but it is not extravagant. Let''s compare these events to the parties on Capital Hill on a daily basis. NASA employees are paid much less than our counterparts. This is a way NASA has used for many years to "give back" to their employees. I was an honoree for the STS-114 Return to Flight event. I have never been more proud of the work I do!

[itgranny]

In the age of energy shortages, and with their job of getting a spaceshuttle into space where every ounce counts, one would have thought they would have come up with a really fantastic, clean and efficient energy source. Nothin, Nada, not a anything to help us out.

Big ideas and money has gotten us into space, yet only 5% of the ocean has been explored.

Where''s the $100 computer for poor countries? How come SPAM and computer viruses are still a problem? There''s hundreds/thousands of smaller problems that these people should be working on that aren''t being addressed.

As of late, NASA hasn''t been doing much that seems to be making much of a difference in our lives. I''m beginning to think their purpose isn''t so much to "fix" the world we live in now as to give us the ability move the chosen people to a new planet as soon as we''ve messed this one up bad enough.

[jowand]

They are just following Congress'' example.

[downtowner97]

It may seem like these numbers are insignificant when spread among the 301 million people in the country. Problem is, it all adds up. We''re up to $28,000 per US citizen for our $9 trillion debt.

[pussbump]

Why__Not
What I am trying to say is that everything that NASA does is redundant. We as taxpayers are paying twice sometimes quadruple for the same thing.
If you have ever worked for the government you know that everything is budget driven. When one agency uses the services of another there is an exchange of funds. When the Army uses the services of an Air Force plane to deliver a tank or let a bunch of troopers jump out of it, they pay for it. When the National Institute of Health uses the services of NASA they pay for it. Imagine the advances in their research if they could save on their "space science" bill by hireing out the requirment to a cheaper and more reliable service. And then there is the deception to the taxpayer of how the alloted funds to an agency are spent. (spin) (exaggerate) So it is NOT OK with me if the National Institute of Health pays NASA $4,000,000.00 annualy for space science stuff and NASA uses the money for Parties for people/corporations that they have lucritive contracts with.
So when the National Institute of Health and NASA co to congress (the people we vote into office) to justify their budgets, I don''t want to see National Institute of Health and NASA both saying they need $4,000,000.00 for space science stuff for the same thing. Then you have all the other agencies that experiments need space science support wanting $4,000,000.00 to pay NASA for services.

[downtowner97]

"Try five days and four nights at a luxury Florida hotel for 300 honorees and their guest."

It''s amazing that 300 honorees were able to decide on just one guest. She must be really hot! It''s funny when the people commenting on the story are more literate than the person who wrote the story.

[scotuspotus]

It isn''t just NASA that does this, every level of government does this. I had a DOD contracted job at one time, and I stayed in 5 star hotels all around the world for free all the time. I ate like a king too... all at your expense.

[itgranny]

"Try five days and four nights at a luxury Florida hotel for 300 honorees and their guest."

600 people. 300 honorees and each had one guest.

[l8c6]

The problem in this increasingly dysfunctional nation is that there is all this intense scrutiny of what the government does but absolutely minimal to no accountability for the "private" companies that provide our society services. Does Katie Couric''s salary affect the cost of products produced by companies who advertise on CBS news? These costs are passed onto the consumer. Is it o.k. that private drug companies wine and dine doctors to seduce them into peddling there products sending these doctors on golf trips. No one is america cares because these questions fall under the immunity of "privatization" just as the crooked tele-evangelists fall under separation of "church" and state. Americans have been brainwashed by a controlling elite class that this is all o.k. At least the wining and dining of these NASA folks serves a few hundred people helping to boost their moral in the midst of what are likely very stressful responsibilities. Katie Couric and many immune corporate privatized folks have salaries for one person that could throw these annual parties for several hundred more. Things in america are skewed because the rules are off not because it''s moral and right.

[hypnotoad72]

I also find it extravagant how state governments can give very prosperous baseball team owners welfare to help them build new stadiums.

In short, government wastes all sorts of money for all sorts of things. Nor does it often say "I''ve accounted every penny!" Then comes election year when candidates say "I want to run government like a business!", get elected, and then... nothing changes.

At least space research is useful. Since when does hitting a ball with a stick and running around a large square amount to anything? :)

[michellem99-2009]

Can they honour them all at one time once a year. That would be best. I loved the Apollo flights. I still like the flights. I think they can honour them using less for fancy parties. Monies used for the missions and learning more abour the planet and space that NASA uses. Barbara.

[l8c6]

"Try five days and four nights at a luxury Florida hotel for 300 honorees and their guest."

600 people. 300 honorees and each had one guest.

Posted by itgrammy

Wow, at the cost it took to throw those parties for that many people 4 million (correction CBS news, it didn''t cost any of us individually 4 million) Katie Couric''s salary alone who take care of at least 3 times that many. The CEO''s and the illusive no need for public account of the "american'' corporations could throw a parties for all american citizens severals times a year. How about some real math in america instead of these stupid stories from a pathetic PRAVDA style media.

[l8c6]

Lemmings, Lemmings, Lemmings, silly, silly lemmings. The private sector that you ALL pay for every day of your lives costs you incredible sums of money yet you get all riled by this "privatized" news sources propaganda machine. Media conglomerates, telecom conglomerates, energy conglomerates, privatization is stripping your ***** bare yet you silly silly lemmings get all worked up by these sensational stories from a corrupted privatized media machine.

[rushlimpdrug]

So rocket science ain''t what it used to be.
How much is booze on the space station anyway?

[l8c6]

One woman''s salary, Katie Couric, would increase the number able to attend by at least 3 fold. Privatized america is never held accountable to their costs on society.

[lanelane2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Budget

NASA''s budget is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
small compared to the big picture -- the US budget.

These rewards are kitty food; really mice food.

It sadden''s me that CBS News feels this is a worthy story.

Space Exploration is the future; honor those that put out the extra effort!!!

[l8c6]

I also find it extravagant how state governments can give very prosperous baseball team owners welfare to help them build new stadiums.

Posted by hypnotoad72

Well, that''s o.k., remember? The stadiums make jobs. The real enemy is that one woman that Ronald Reagan referred to that is draining us dry, you know, the "welfare queen" as he called her. Anyone find that bit*ch? Last I heard she was fictitious.

[l8c6]

Space Exploration is the future; honor those that put out the extra effort!!!

Posted by lanelane2

As americans we ought to seek accountability for the private sector. It''s been raping and pillaging behind the scenes with a bizarre right of immunity. How about CBS news talk about the millions they spend on some of the lavish lives they embellish their staff with. People are either stupid or in a serious state of denial if they don''t think these excesses that line the pockets of a few americans don''t come at a price to the greater society.

[tromba59]

Britney Spears spends $500,000 in a few months just goofing off and endangering her own children. So NASA wants to spend a few bucks trying to encourage its staff to continue on with the ONLY governmental program that has had a positive financial return - EVER.

No by-line. Huh? I do not who to GTH.

[l8c6]

O.k. CBS news, lets REALLY FOLLOW THE MONEY that flows through america. Anyone ought to know if they really truly were to follow the money that government is far more efficient at delivering services at low cost than the private sector. The private sector has immunity from most all scrutiny and what little bit of scrutiny exists the private sectors screams and wines because it hurts when multi-million and billionaires have any limits set on them. It''s beneath the righteous to succumb to scrutiny.

[l8c6]

Yeah CBS news, FOLLOW THE MONEY, please, really do it for once instead of presenting the american people with your bul*l*sh*it.

[tromba59]

Pussbump is a moron

[voltair-2009]

All companies need to give perks to their employees to help ensure commitment & high performance from employees.

The engineers at NASA work hard at a stressful, thankless job, and deserve to be honored with a nice ceremony at a 4-star hotel. Frankly, they could make much more money in the private sector, so I''m all for giving an extra $5 million a year to keep them happy.

As an aside, NASA should be the LAST place some overly-zealous investigative journalist looks to uncover wasteful government spending...Hint: it has five sides, and got hit by an airplane in 2001.

[kansas1946]

you%u2019re talking $400,000 to $500,000.
***************************
Well, I am a tax payer and I think this is a small drop in a small bucket. To be fair, I think we need to contrast this with the amount that the taxpayers foot everyday for members of congress, their trips, jets, parties, the lavish Whitehouse shindigs, etc.
If the people at NASA want to have a celebration once in a while, well, so be it. That 500,000 is probably about fifteen minutes in Iraq.

[namesnames]

18c6:
Lemmings!? Let''s all be government workers in every facet of every enterprise! Talk about lemmings....

WE WANT MORE GOVERNMENT. GOOooo Government!

Unbelievable.

[pussbump]

tromba59 - I can tell your a liberal deme. You can''t compare people and government agencies. I.E Brittney earned her money (believe it or not) while the NASA is budgeted their money by congress (our representatives). So if Brittney wants to light cigars with 100 dollar bills or pee in a gold toilet she can because it is HER money. If NASA does it... its our money. That is the differance. Citizens can do what they want with their money but government agencies can''t! Try to understand the concept.