Obama on Space: We Need a Clear Vision

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August 5, 2008

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has had plenty to reason to celebrate over the last fifty years. But for those of us who grew up on a steady diet of moon rockets and planetary voyagers, NASA’s future is cause for concern. Barack Obama spoke eloquently on that uncertain future to a packed audience in Titusville, Florida this weekend. Standing not far from Kennedy Space Center, the democratic nominee said in part.

See the full text.

“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. … 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.”

There’s a big back story here, one composed of several interlocking problems and followed at present mostly by space enthusiasts and NASA personnel. Perhaps in the near future we can bring shed light on some of them.

But for now, be advised that Obama’s comments linked above, taken with other statements made by the Illinois Senator, suggest to those of us who follow space policy closely that Barack Obama knows the convoluted details rather well. And I can tell you as a resident of Brevard County, just the possibility that he gets it is already generating a refreshing wave of hope among voters on America’s Space Coast.

Reported by Daily Kos

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