The President's New Vision for NASA
Presidential Commission Established
President Bush has established a commission to provide him with recommendations on implementation of the vision outlined in the President's policy statement entitled: "A Renewed Spirit of Discovery" and the President's Budget Submission for Fiscal Year 2005. A website, complete with the charter, member list, comment submission system and other information has been established.
http://www.moontomars.org/about/charter.asp
Summary
On January 14, 2004 President Bush announced a new vision for NASA involving a completion of the International Space Station, decommissioning of the space shuttle, development of a new vehicle dubbed the "crew exploration vehicle" and ultimately a human base on the Moon as a stepping stone on the way to Mars.
The implications for space science and astronomy are not yet clear and are not likely to be until the release of the President's budget in early February. The AAS is actively researching this issue and the Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy and the Executive Committee are actively discussing the Society's response to this refocussing of NASA's goals.
Background
Here are some links to background documents.
White House
NASA
- The Vision for Space Exploration (PDF)
- The Administrator's Speech (PDF)
- The Administrator's Senate Testimony on FY 2005 budget (PDF)
- Budget Diagram (PDF)
- Headquarters Realignment
- Main Solar System Exploration page at HQ
- Video of President and O'Keefe's speeches
Congress
Other Sources