Space Policy Effort for NASA's Future Focusing in on Final Decision By the President

spaceref.com ^ | 10 Dec 03 | staff

[RightWhale]

Space Policy Effort for NASA's Future Focusing in on Final Decision By the President

Progress on developing America's new space policy continues - and is moving quickly towards final review and a decision by the President.

Given the proximity to the Kitty Hawk anniversary, it is now unlikely that it will be announced - at least in any detailed way - at this particular venue.

It is now more likely that it will be rolled out early next year - perhaps (but not by definition) near or coincident with the State of the Union.

Two things are certain: First, the Bush Administration will announce this new space policy at a time and place of its choosing without responding to pressure from external forces with preferences for one venue or another.

Second, this new space policy is substantive and worth the wait - and the White House is determined to announce it in a manner befitting its importance.

[RightWhale]

A poll of 1000 adults supports returning to the moon by 53%, but not if it costs multi-billions

[kuma]

I was watching this on the news and they were saying that it would be better to open NASA up to private business. Any thoughts?

[bonesmccoy]

Here's my idea:

1. Unmanned LEO launches to be deferred to private launch vehicles.
2. Manned LEO launches to be divided into two phases:
a. Phase out of STS-orbiter operations
b. Phase in of HL-10 like crewed reusable vehicle ops
3. Privatize STS heavy lift launch operations
4. Privatize part of ISS ops (permit SpaceHab expansion)
5. NASA to only be working on deep space manned ops (GEO and cis-lunar space)
6. USAF to develop polar orbital platforms for Ballistic Missile Defense

[RightWhale]

NASA conducts operations and manages projects. Much of their actual construction work is already farmed out on contract.