Paul Neitzel

Cuts to NASA-related programs could make future recruiting of researchers and scientists misfire, Georgia Tech professor Paul Neitzel told lawmakers July 24.

"NASA seems to regard research as a spigot that can be turned off and on at will," Neitzel said. "It is easy to turn off." But he warned "the re-establishment of an external research community will take years, if it can be accomplished at all."

Neitzel, a professor of fluid mechanics who has been a principal investigator on NASA-sponsored research for more than 20 years, testified before the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.

The hearing addressed the upcoming retirement of the space shuttle program and progress on NASA plans for the International Space Station, as well as a labor strike at Kennedy Space Center.

"Other nations, notably China, are increasing their emphasis on space research," he said. "Asian cultures, in general, embrace the study of science and engineering.

"As we stand by and watch jobs and technology being transferred overseas, are we as a nation prepared to relinquish our superiority in space research and the associated discoveries that can drive new businesses and jobs?"