My observations from the Bolden speech at WIA/AIAA meeting the other day

Mr. Bolden said when he met with President Obama he told him specifically that he wants to see NASA become the inspirational agency that it was when he was growing up. Mr. Bolden stated that “NASA should be a developer of innovative technologies that drive our nation’s economy, not just a set of missions”. Mr. Bolden also sees more handoff to private sector. Bolden said that President Obama is also enthusiastic about international support and non-traditional partners, and there are plans to initiate conversation with China with regards to space. Mr. Bolden also stressed the importance of NASA developing its image to promote and encourage future scientists, engineers and the public in general. IMO, observing the nature of Mr. Bolden, President Obama and all the influences of today’s issues will mean some big changes for NASA. The fact that President Obama has not publicly responded with regards to the Augustine study does not mean he is not interested. Like the Afghanistan policies now set forth, he and his advisors take their time to craft a strategy and that is what I think we are seeing here. STEM and innovative technology were mentioned several times during Bolden’s talk, and the OMB memo from August 2009 will be also be guidance for NASA.