By Stephanie Jones

Independent aerospace writer and analyst Keith McInnis presented the costs and benefits of America’s space program on Wednesday at the Civic Media Center in Gainesville. McInnis says he is concerned about the end of the United States involvement in the space program. He adds the loss of NASA’s shuttle program will affect all Americans. But audience member Jason Friedmutter says with the current economy, NASA is unneccessary. McInnis is the son of NASA rocket scientist Bill McInnis and has studied the space program for more than 25 years.