Obama's New Stance on NASA

Senator Obama recently stated, ""And we have to do more than provide short-term relief. We have to secure our long-term prosperity and strengthen America's competitiveness in the 21st century. One of the areas where we are in danger of losing our competitive edge is our space program. When I was growing up, NASA inspired the world with achievements we are still proud of. Today, we have an administration that has set ambitious goals for NASA without giving NASA the support it needs to reach them. As a result, they've had to cut back on research, and trim their programs, which means that after the Space Shuttle shuts down in 2010, we're going to have to rely on Russian spacecraft to keep us in orbit.

"We cannot cede our leadership in space. That's why I will help close the gap and ensure that our space program doesn't suffer when the Shuttle goes out of service by working with Senator Bill Nelson to add at least one additional Space Shuttle flight beyond 2010; by supporting continued funding for NASA; by speeding the development of the Shuttle's successor; and by making sure that all those who work in the space industry in Florida do not lose their jobs when the Shuttle is retired - because we cannot afford to lose their expertise.

"More broadly, we need a real vision for space exploration. To help formulate this vision, I'll reestablish the National Aeronautics and Space Council so that we can develop a plan to explore the solar system - a plan that involves both human and robotic missions, and enlists both international partners and the private sector. And as America leads the world to long-term exploration of the moon, Mars, and beyond, let's also tap NASA's ingenuity to build the airplanes of tomorrow and to study our own planet so we can combat global climate change. Under my watch, NASA will inspire the world, make America stronger, and help grow the economy here in Florida."

He's also reported to have said, "I know it's still being reported that we were talking about delaying some aspects of the Constellation program to pay for our early education program. I told my staff we're going to find an entirely different offset, because we've got to make sure that the money that's going into NASA for basic research and development continues to go there. That has been a top priority for us."

Source: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1298

(Emphasis added. Hyperlinks in the original. Links are the sole responsibility of SpaceRef.)

If Obama's comments are genuine, then this reflects a reversal of his earlier position which appeared to be relatively hostile to NASA's Project Constellation. Nevertheless, note that Obama is still emphasizing "basic research and development," which is conceptually different from space applications of which Project Constellation may be one.

On SpaceX and Related Matters

There is much talk about harnessing the power of private industry in reaching for the stars. And yet it wasn’t private industry that got us to the Moon.

It was, however, private industry and private greed that got us into the mortgage crisis we’re in now.

For all the talk about how government agencies are inherently socialistic, NASA is no more a victim of socialism than our armed forces, and yet I find it interesting that, except for libertarians, conservatives who disparage the government always draw the line at funding the armed forces. Perhaps we could avoid all the NASA-bashing by making NASA the fifth branch of the armed services.

But to be fair, it isn’t right to say that private industry has no role in space exploration, either. Both sides of this debate have their points. It’s just that it is quite disappointing that SpaceX has failed so many times so long after NASA had already pioneered the essential aspects of spacecraft launch and staging. Must we always reinvent the wheel, after all, and exactly how many times shall we do so?