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Since 1981, the Space Shuttle has been NASA's workhorse. Its retirement will leave NASA without human spaceflight capability until the first elements of the Constellation program are operational, some five years later. This gap between the retirement of the Space Shuttle and the entry into service of its replacement is a serious concern. Barack Obama is committed to making the necessary investments to ensure we close this gap as much as is technically feasible and to minimize reliance on foreign space capabilities. He also will work with the space industry to ensure retention of workforce and technical capabilities during the transition from the shuttle to its successor.
* Retaining Options for Additional Shuttle Flights: Barack Obama supports Congressional efforts to add at least one additional Space Shuttle flight to fly a valuable mission and to keep the workforce engaged. He will work to ensure there is adequate funding to support that additional flight so that it does not interfere with developing the Shuttle's successor.
* Speeding the Next-Generation Vehicle: Obama will expedite the development of the Shuttle's successor systems for carrying Americans to space so we can minimize the gap. This will be difficult; underfunding by the Bush administration has left NASA with limited flexibility to accelerate the development of the new systems.
* Using the Private Sector: Obama will stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate spaceflight capabilities. NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services is a good model of government/industry collaboration.
* Working with International Allies: Obama will enlist international partners to provide International Space Station (ISS) cargo re-supply and eventually alternate means for sending crews to the ISS...[truncated]
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In a nutshell, the comprehensive policy released on Saturday backs plans to go to the moon by 2020, supports both human and robotic missions, calls for at least one additional shuttle flight and increased international cooperation in space.
“Barack Obama is proposing a robust plan for that kind of exploration and for research,” said Glenn, who was the first American to orbit the Earth. “I'm looking forward to working very closely with Barack Obama after he's President.”.....[truncated]
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama supports the plan developed by the Bush administration to send U.S. astronauts back to the moon by 2020 and on to Mars after that.
But he also expresses "serious concern" that the United States might go five years without being able to send anyone to space on its own, because space shuttles are scheduled to stop flying after 2010, and a replacement spacecraft will not yet be finished....[truncated]
- Barack Obama
When I was growing up, NASA united Americans to a common purpose and inspired the world with accomplishments we are still proud of. Today, NASA is an organization that impacts many facets of American life.
I believe NASA needs an inspirational vision for the 21st Century. My vision will build on the great goals set forth in recent years, to maintain a robust program of human space exploration and ensure the fulfillment of NASA's mission.
Together, we can ensure that NASA again reflects all that is best about our country and continue our nation's preeminence in space.
As President, John McCain will -
* Ensure that space exploration is top priority and that the U.S. remains a leader;
* Commit to funding the NASA Constellation program to ensure it has the resources it needs to begin a new era of human space exploration.
* Review and explore all options to ensure U.S. access to space by minimizing the gap between the termination of the Space Shuttle and the availability of its replacement vehicle;
* Ensure the national space workforce is maintained and fully utilized; Complete construction of the ISS National Laboratory;
* Seek to maximize the research capability and commercialization possibilities of the ISS National Laboratory;
* Maintain infrastructure investments in Earth-monitoring satellites and support systems;
* Seek to maintain the nation's space infrastructure;
* Prevent wasteful earmarks from diverting precious resources from critical scientific research;
* and Ensure adequate investments in aeronautics research.
As president, Barack Obama will establish a robust and balanced civilian space program. His NASA not only will inspire the world with both human and robotic space exploration, but also will again lead in confronting the challenges we face here on Earth, including global climate change, energy independence, and aeronautics research. In achieving this vision, Obama will reach out to include international partners and to engage the private sector to amplify NASA's reach. Obama believes that a revitalized NASA can help America maintain its innovation edge and contribute to American economic growth
His NASA not only will inspire the world with both human and robotic space exploration, but also will again lead in confronting the challenges we face here on Earth, including global climate change, energy independence, and aeronautics research
Over the weekend, Democratic senator Barack Obama made a public statement during his presidential campaign trail in Titusville, Florida. Whilst responding to a question about oceanic research, Obama elaborated on his plans for the future of NASA. Previously, there have been hints that a possible Obama Presidency would see a reduction in space funding in favour of a boost in education spending.
Its not a smear, its the position he previously took. Much like most of his positions, he seems to have changed it recently.
from the source you provided, dronetek
Previously, there have been hints that a possible Obama Presidency would see a reduction in space funding in favour of a boost in education spending.
source
The passage of relevance here: “The early education plan will be paid for by delaying the NASA Constellation Program for five years,” among other steps. According to MSNBC, Obama would leave in place $500 million/year for Constellation’s “manufacturing and technology base”, but would otherwise transfer the funding to the education effort. None of the campaign’s official statements or other media reports indicate any alternative measures the campaign would take to address what, on its face, would appear to be a five-year delay in the introduction of Ares 1, Orion, and the other main components of NASA’s current exploration architecture.
- The Senate Appropriations Committee has drafted a 2009 spending bill that would give the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) $17.8 billion next year (see Table), an increase of $635 million or 3.7 percent, with the entire increase and more going to two big-ticket human space programs. The Constellation Systems program to develop the next generation of human spacecraft would receive $3.1 billion, an increase of 24.5 percent or $606 million.
Originally posted by Andrew E. Wiggin
McCain & Obama - both laid out - right there in the first two posts of this thread.....and nobody in ALL of ATS wants to talk about it ??
What is there to talk about?
You are an OBAMA follower, who is not interested in debating the subject
How do you view the financial aspect of the space program? Regardless of who wins. I view the space program as beneficial to our society and needs major investment. Where do we get the money from.
Originally posted by Andrew E. Wiggin
This is a lie. He never took a previous position that said NASA had to suffer funding CUTS. I await your proof, else you are a liar.
The early education plan will be paid for by delaying the NASA Constellation Program for five years...