re: NASA's budget since 1958
Although NASA averages under 1% of the Federal Budget, innumerate mediots reporting on space matters invariaby emphasize the cost of each space mission during each report. Interesting that non-financial news stories about public employees, illegal immigrants or whatever typically do not emphasize the cost. The reporters and public act as if the cash was strapped to the rocket nosecone and launched into space, as they're seemingly oblivious that much of the money was paid employing working families. After all, NASA exists as a Jobs Program.