Robert Walker: Space Industry Must Get Public, Congress 'Buy-In' of New Space

Robert Walker: Space Industry Must Get Public, Congress 'Buy-In' of New Space Vision
By Leonard David
Senior Space Writer
posted: 09:20 am ET
10 February 2004


ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico � The new space vision scripted by U.S. President George W. Bush will put to the test the ability of NASA and the space community to focus talent and money to turn rhetoric into reality.

Here at the Space Technology and Applications International Forum (STAIF-2004), space engineers and scientists have been re-energized by President Bush�s Moon, Mars and beyond directive.


Similarly, work is moving ahead on the NASA-led Project Prometheus. This major nuclear systems program is gearing up to develop near- and long-term nuclear electric power and propulsion technologies.

For the first time in decades, there is a general sense that a window of opportunity has opened to meld science, technology, space policy and money to fashion a sustained space exploration program. But convincing Congress and the taxpayer to support such a vision needs urgent work.

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