Sun, Jun 21, 2009
AIA Stumps For NASA
NASA stands front and center as the
most visible representation of the U.S. space program and is
critical to our country's future leadership and competitiveness,
according to AIA Vice President of Space Systems, J.P. Stevens.
"Over the last 50 years, space technologies have increasingly
become an important part of our nation's economic, scientific and
national security fabric," Stevens said in testimony to the House
Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.
"However, other nations are making rapid advancements, and our
leadership in space is no longer guaranteed."
AIA strongly supports the current proposed NASA budget of $18.7
billion, however, Stevens noted that zero growth is budgeted
through 2013.
"This is a real concern. The Chinese absolutely want to send
humans to the moon and are putting in the resources to make it
happen," said Stevens in response to a question. "If we continue to
delay our programs, it's quite possible that the Chinese will
return to the moon first."
Stevens made a number of recommendations regarding NASA
reauthorization, including treating the U.S. Space Exploration
Policy and Constellation Program as a national priority to minimize
the impending gap in U.S. human spaceflight.
He also urged funding for NASA in a number of other critical
areas be strengthened including aeronautics for timely development
of the Next Generation Air Transportation System and education
initiatives to attract youth to careers with NASA and the aerospace
industry.
Finally, the Commercial Space Launch Amendment, which expires
this year, needs to be renewed to keep the U.S. space launch
industry healthy.
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