Bush working on new space vision that may include moon, Mars

Fox 23 ^ | December 7, 2003 | AP

[yonif]

(White House-AP) -- President Bush and NASA managers have begun work on new goals for the space program that could return man to the moon -- or even send a manned flight to Mars.

White House officials say those are among many options under consideration by an inter-agency group that's been studying the issue since the summer.

The loss of the space shuttle Columbia in February has prompted a major re-evaluation of U-S space efforts.

Space enthusiasts hope Bush will announce something later this month on the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' flight. But Press Secretary Scott McClellan calls that "premature speculation."

The Washington Post reports a moon or Mars mission could be one of several "major ideas" in January's State of the Union speech. To which McClellan replies, "Any administration is always discussing ideas."

[DarthVader]

Bush is going to colonize the moon and Mars and ship all the DEMs there.

[farmfriend]

ping

[vto]

If it smells like fun, increases the fed payroll, and costs someone else's money, it's a sure thing.

[Glenn]

10 billion here, 10 billlion there. Oh, well.

[yonif]

lol

[Guillermo]

I was about to ask how on earth can we afford this, especially after we're now going to pay for the pills of old people.

[yonif]

Sending the old people to the moon?

[Paul Atreides]

Bush is going to colonize the moon and Mars and ship all the DEMs there.

Then, by all means, return this to its native home:

(Get a load of that bed-head!)

[exit82]

Mars has nothing to offer. A waste of time and money.

The moon can wait until Earth is more civilized.

What I want is a floating Hilton space station resort, with a pool under a glass dome and artificial gravity, so I can watch the earth as I revolve around it after taking a dip. That would be cool. With the "Blue Danube" playing in the background. Developed with private finances, of course. Wonder what kind of frequent flyer miles and hotel points I could get out of that.

[CasearianDaoist]

I have heard that they are not going to increase the NASA budget for this (or not by "much") but are going to completely reorganize NASA and combine some development with the DOD budget. I've also heard that it will not be a dramatic rush job like apollo. It might just work out. Maybe we should wait and see what they actually propose.

[templar]

As much as I like the idea of space exploration I have to ask: How can we afford it at this time?

[DesertDreamer]

If this effort will result in renewed serious interest in REAL education and math and science achievement, then it will be a good thing. The space program of the 60s and early 70s inspired many students to work hard and dream big.

::Exiling the D's to their home planet will just be a side benefit.::

[CindyDawg]

Too pricy for me. I think I'll just stay at the motel 6. I hope Tom leaves the lights on:')

[Lessismore]

I'll have to go rent "2001" on DVD. Weren't the shuttles up to the space station "Pan Am"?

[OneTimeLurker]

Going to the moon is oh so retro!

Ok, I know, the moon landing never really happened.

[Guillermo]

Before, along with, or after the Muslims?

[Guillermo]

Are you "Inspector Harry Callahan?"

[DarthVader]

That is beautiful. ROTFLMAO!!!!