Connect rocket science, moon landings, and space travel with the fall of society.
Here's an article stating that a study by NASA found that redistribution of wealth and population control are needed to preserve an unnamed, but presumably Western, civilization. NASA designed its own mathematical formula based on what it considers tangibles for societal success (completely ignoring intangibles). Go figure!
I suspect the reasons for the fall of Rome might have had a great deal more in common with the misassignment of government agencies to come up with politically opportune statements that support a disconnected political elite in its pursuits.
NASA once opened its mouth to speak on space missions - and people listened. Now it rumbles about falling societies, and becomes a fairly good indicator of the fact that it is already happening.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/tech/her ... e-20140318