Policy: News
(SpaceRef) Wise Counsel to Rep. Frank Wolf Regarding NASA FY 2011 Budget
"It makes no more sense to have a NASA with an under-emphasis on human spaceflight than it did to have a NASA with an over-emphasis. The strategic leadership of the United States in a rapidly evolving globalized world, the economic well-being of our people, and the sense in our society that our future is promising, all require a NASA that has breadth in science and technology, and accomplishments in both robotic and human spaceflight.
The burden of proof thus now lies with Congress and NASA to define and to develop a human spaceflight program that does not re-inflict damage on the breadth of NASA's activities and that serves the nation well. It is possible to do this.
It is our hope that all who recognize that a vibrant civil space program is essential to the nation's future will come together and use this opportunity to define and to fund a NASA that through the breadth of its activities and its accomplishments truly befits a great nation."
(NASA Press Release) Endeavor (STS-130) Blasts Off With Last ISS Crew Module Before Completion
The Aurora module allowing crew observations has now been launched to the ISS and is the last crew module to be added before completion. It was a spectacular night launch reminding us that the Space Shuttle is nearing the end of its life.
The Real Problem With Commercializing Space
The author, notes on his blog post, that he has spent most of the last 10-15 years working in various parts of the space industry, including five recent years as a contract employee to NASA. This older article is a classic criticism of commercial space and even in this time of greater optimism for this developing market, it is worth reading as a cautionary viewpoint based on insider experience.