I just wrote the letter to the NASA administrator. I cannot believe they think this is okay. I love monkeys and I would not want them to be harmed for the sake of astronauts (especially when there are alternatives). Thanks Alicia for the post. 

Done!

I just wrote the letter as well.  Those monkeys are the most cutest things...how can they think this is OK to do?! It is disturbing to think they would purposely harm them!

I will help spread the word about this!!!!

Wow.  A very real version of the movie Project X.  How very, very sad.

Done.

Done! I am constantly online sending letters and signing petitions to deter negative treatment of animals. The sad part is I could spend my days doing it if it weren't for online technology. I'm thankful for the research these animal protection groups perform to make it easy for me to have a voice. Thanks for helping us help the innocent monkeys!

Done, to both DoD and NASA!

This is another grey area for me. No, I don't like the fact that experiments are being done on animals, but I do believe that science has been able to produce things incredible and helpful to our species because of it.
Put it on the flip side; does anyone here have a significant other that is an astronaut? If you do, I'm betting you'd rather know any negative side effects before they went on a journey.
If my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and I was told that an experiment was being run for a miracle trial drug but it was put on hold because of protesters for animal rights I'd be pretty pissed.
I don't see a point in experimentations involving cosmetics or human vanity, but I do see a point to it regarding human health and longevity. Yes, there are other scientific ways to do this, but it won't be as perfect as something that is, as is stated, 96% similar in comparison. People are not ok with testing on something synthetic then going right to human trials, there are too many risks involved. Too many things that we just can't replicate to a T.
If your going to boycott something like this, then everyone should be boycotting The China Study for causing so many rodents to die from cancer. Think about it logically instead of "Oh, poor cute fuzzy thing!".

I hate to start by disagreeing, but really, monkeys are not people. People (humans) are people...but this is what makes this SO tragic. WE are the ones who are supposed to know better, we are the ones charged by God to care for this earth! Yet we do such horrible things to each other and to animals, needless things. And the creatures that suffer have no power to stop it. Thank you for making us aware of this issue!

done!

I wrote, am facebooking and tweeting too!  Why, if we already know the outcome, must we continue to experiment?  It's ludicrous to imagine that the scientists really expect different results-- what purpose is there in testing radiation if not to suggest some sort of treatment?  But this is not what the testing is for.  Cruelty, thy name is NASA!

i heard about this a while back. i attended a protest at the Space Shuttle Endeavour launch in Titusville, FL. i have also encouraged everyone i know not to support NASA in any way (including going to any of the NASA-sponsored attractions here in Central Florida)

OK, that being said, Carissa you make some good points. We as humans must use judgment and weigh risks and benefits, because at some point it is either try something with an animal first or skip straight to human trials...BUT viable alternatives should always be used first. And at least humans can choose whether to take the risks for themselves or not.

personally, i don't think the ends justify the means.  i have sent my email to nasa, and i will always stand up for the animals, even if my own health is at risk.

I PERSONALLY FEEL...

That if you're part of this earth HUMAN or ANIMAL we should ALL have the same rights and respect.

These poor animals are minding they're own damn business and we humans just envade their homes and interrupt their lives b/c we think we're this superior, better than any thing else on this planet...We make excuses and flat out lie trying to cover up what we do. It's not ok to just take whatever the hell we want.

They are innocent animals who should just be left the hell alone! Humans always have feel superior and it's just b/s. It pisses me off!

These animals have every right to a peaceful exsistance! Leave them alone. You want answers, why don't we test on human beings who have the opportunity to make that choice!