“Maximizing” NASA’s Potential in Flight and on the Ground
On January 20, George Abbey, Dr. Neal Lane, and John Muratore published a paper through the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University called “Maximizing NASA’s Potential in Flight and on the Ground: Recommendations for the Next Administration.” I’ll let the paper speak for itself, but the 5 recommendations were: (quote)
- Restructure the human space initiative and keep the space shuttle flying until 2015.
- Deliver short-term (within four years) payoffs in energy and the environment, especially climate change.
- Deliver longer-term payoffs (within four to eight years) for energy and the environment.
- Ensure an ongoing and effective robotic space science program.
- Implement a reinvigorated and effective aeronautical research program, with particular attention to low-carbon fuels and efficiency, to help ensure the future well-being of the nation’s aviation industry.
The paper also recommends cancelling Ares 1, reducing the size of Orion from a 6-person to 3-person crew, and forget about Mars for the next decade.
I’ll reserve my opinion for the time being. What do YOU think about this proposal?
2 Responses to ““Maximizing” NASA’s Potential in Flight and on the Ground”
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Natalie on February 10th, 2009
Really? No commnents? I would have thought that people would either love or hate this proposal.
rquintanilla on February 11th, 2009
My only concern with the proposal is that it will have NASA change direction AGAIN. I believe that we should have flexible plans, so that we can innovate. NASA should have strong central leadership, but political whims must be minimized.
That being stated the constellation program is overpriced and has a low probability of meeting deadlines. I think that a better plan should be made, that is adaptable. Part of that plan could be to eliminate the ARES I.
I am all for doing more types of work at NASA, but ask for more funding. It is a good investment for the future and it creates jobs now.