Many Boston University students last week questioned President George W. Bush’s pledge to establish a presence on the moon and possibly send humans to Mars, saying the $12 billion Bush plans to spend on space exploration could be better used for domestic and international concerns.

“I think while it has potential … it’s a good plan for when we have a surplus,” College of Arts and Sciences junior Michelle Silverman said. “We’re in a pretty bad economic situation.”

CAS sophomore Matt Kiefer also expressed concern about the high price tag but said he supports the idea.

“I think it’s a great goal, and a necessary step for science,” he said. “But should we really be spending all this money when the budget deficits are hundreds of billions of dollars?”

Kiefer said he doubts Bush’s ability to push the project ahead.

“I don’t think he will rally the country around a specific goal with a specific deadline the way [President] Kennedy did when he said the U.S. would put a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s,” he said.

Other students said the plan seems politically motivated.

University Professors Program sophomore Brandon Brown said he sees the proposal as a “natural reaction to China putting a man in orbit” and noted the upcoming election.

Silverman claimed the proposal is “another publicity stunt to divert attention from the failing economy and massive unemployment” and said Bush is “entirely looking toward re-election.”

Many students, like Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences junior Debbie Hendrick, also questioned the relevance of space exploration.

“I’m sure there are benefits, but I don’t think they need to go as far as building a base on the moon,” she said, later adding that “NASA seems to be a big waste of money.”

Silverman, however, said the nation needs to continue space research – but now is not the time.

“I think in the future, yes – just as any scientific endeavor is important,” she said. “I think there are more pressing concerns at home and abroad.”