AAS Informational Email 2005-10

David Black, Chair of the AAS Committee on Astronomy and
Public Policy and
Kevin B. Marvel, Deputy Executive Officer

The President's chosen replacement for NASA administrator
Sean O'Keefe is Mike Griffin and the Senate Commerce,
Science and Technology Committee held hearings on April 12
to confirm his nomination. Chairman Ted Stevens of Alaska
promised to move his nomination forward quickly. The
Committee felt that Griffin should take up his duties as
soon as possible and made this clear during the committee
hearing. Chairman Stevens vowed to have him report for
duty on Monday, April 18.

During the confirmation hearing, Griffin responded to
questions from committee members and made it clear that he
would be willing to reconsider the decision by Sean O'Keefe
to not service the HST using astronauts. Griffin said, "We
should reassess the earlier decision in light of what we
learn after we return to flight." He also stated that a
complex robotic servicing mission was "off the table",
leaving the HST issue with two resolutions after he takes
office, either servicing with astronauts or a robotic
de-orbit mission.

Touching on other aspects of the implementation of the
Vision for NASA, he pointed out that the new Crew Exploration
Vehicle called for in the President's plan for NASA should
be developed sooner rather than later.

Both Maryland Senators endorsed his nomination and shared
supportive statements with the Commerce committee
commending Griffin. Once Griffin takes on his new
responsibilities, the AAS will work with him to ensure that
NASA continues to undertake and complete the missions
highlighted in the Decadal Surveys and to support astronomy
and space science research, including high energy,
planetary science and solar research.

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Mailed to US members from aas.org at 9:45am
13 April 2005

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