Sat, Aug 07, 2010
Measure Balances Commercial Space Investment With Robust
Mission For NASA
The United States Senate has approved bipartisan legislation
its authors say will safeguard America’s human spaceflight
capabilities, while balancing commercial space investment with a
robust mission for NASA. The bill, which passed Thursday, was
supported by Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), Ranking
Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), along with Senators Bill
Nelson (D-FL), David Vitter (R-LA) and George LeMieux (R-FL).
“This bill offers a blueprint to move America’s
civilian space program forward in a smart, fiscally responsible
way,” Chairman Rockefeller said. “We’ve had to
take a clear, hard look at what we want from NASA in the years and
decades to come. We’ve asked the tough questions. The result
is a truly bipartisan bill that will help refocus and reinvigorate
the agency, while making key investments in aeronautics, science,
and education. I’m proud the Senate has moved it one step
closer to becoming law.”
“Senate passage of this comprehensive legislation is a
critical milestone that will boost America’s human
spaceflight program,” said Senator Hutchison. “By
embracing this bipartisan vision for the future of NASA, the Senate
has spoken with a unified voice. I encourage my colleagues in
the House to take up this crucial bill in order to get NASA on
track to continue its proud heritage of innovation and
exploration.”
Key Elements of the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 include:
- Authorization of Appropriations – Largely in-line with
the President’s fiscal year 2011 budget request to Congress;
the bill would authorize fiscal year 2011 to fiscal year 2013
appropriations for NASA.
- Science and Aeronautics – The bill protects a balanced
portfolio for NASA, including full funding of aeronautics, Earth
and space science, and education, as proposed by the
President.
- Space Technology – Investments in technology and robotic
capabilities are tied to mission-driven goals and support U.S.
innovation and competitiveness.
- Education – The bill supports new education initiatives
such as teacher training programs; and increases the investment in
the NASA EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research) and NASA Space Grant program.
- Human Space Flight – The bill couples efforts to national
and global needs and challenges; provides a sustainable exploration
program with new technologies and in-space capabilities; and future
exploration builds off of the workforce, assets, and capabilities
of the Space Shuttle and other efforts.
- Shuttle Retirement and final “Launch on Need”
Mission – The bill authorizes one last Shuttle flight, based
on an independent safety review, to provide necessary support for
the extension of the International Space Station.
- International Space Station – The bill extends the
Station to at least 2020, which is important for international and
commercial collaboration and growth, research, and technology
development; and maximizes the scientific return on the significant
investment in the Station.
- Commercial Cargo and Crew – If the industry develops as
envisioned, this should provide cheaper access to the International
Space Station and relieve the U.S. reliance on Russian partners for
access to the Station after the Shuttle retires; a strong focus on
milestones will reduce risk and assure astronaut safety.
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