February 01, 2010
Posted by:
Carol Caruso
Like us, many of you have been following President Obama’s budget announcement and its impact on NASA and the nation’s space exploration program. His recommendations are far-reaching and, if approved by Congress, would have a great impact on NASA and NASA Glenn. It is important to keep in mind that this is just the beginning of the process. Congress will weigh in heavily and have the final say with respect to funding. Until we have an opportunity to review and analyze the President’s budget recommendations, it is impossible to predict exactly how NASA Glenn and the State of Ohio will fare.
The President is recommending an overall budget increase for NASA, but the focus of its mission would be changed. Ares I and Ares V would be scrapped, as would a return to the Moon. The President supports commercialization of the design and manufacture of the next vehicle for transporting humans to the International Space Station. This so-called “taxi service” would replace the shuttle. Although not clear with the initial announcement, it is our understanding that the President supports deep space exploration, such as a mission to Mars, but the intermediary step of returning to the Moon is not supported. The president also supports more funding for aeronautics and aerospace research, which had been severely curtailed with the Moon/Mars mission.
The good news is that NASA Glenn is uniquely positioned to retain and grow jobs in either scenario: because Glenn is now firmly entrenched in the space exploration program, we will have a continuing role in this mission. If NASA returns to a more research-focused mission, NASA Glenn also benefits because of its history and expertise in this area.
It is important to consider both the short term and long term impacts of a mission change. If Ares I and Ares V are abandoned, how will this impact our long-term position in space exploration? How would this impact Plum Brook and our efforts to secure funding for a runway?
Despite the outcome of these discussions, it is worth noting that the Greater Cleveland Partnership has been front and center throughout this process. And it’s also important to point out that the Ohio Congressional delegation is rock solid in its support of NASA Glenn. Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-Cleveland) and Congressman Charlie Wilson (D-Marietta) both serve on the House Science & Technology Committee and will be directly involved in the discussions that lie ahead. Both our Senators, George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown, are proactive supporters and will continue to be key to the final outcome of this debate. So, regardless of the direction, Ohio and our region are well-positioned for the future.
Category:
Advocacy
Tags:
NASA,
NASA Glenn,
space exploration