The Next NASA - Rumors Fly - Does Constellation??

Postings I am sharing with you. These are rumors and may just be the white house using the media to test trial balloon statements to gauge public reactions. I find it interesting that one of the reports says the White House is ready for conflict with Congress if policies are extremely different. (paraphrasing). The only thing I can say is that Congress is indeed getting ready for a battle if the white house nixes major programs. The only thing that seems to be in agreement is ISS till 2020, and I have even seen budget exercises for the 2025 timeframe. Next week should reveal more with the release of the FY2011 budget.

The Houston Chronicle (1/27, Berger, Powell) reports analysts "say it's likely the space agency's budget will remain 'flat' for the coming year, potentially leaving humans stuck in near-Earth orbit for the foreseeable future." Citing supportive statements from several Texan Congressmen, the article notes "Congress has vowed to fight for the resources the Augustine Commission said NASA needed." However, according to the article, other than appointing Charles Bolden as NASA Administrator and setting up the Augustine Commission, "Obama has been mum, never articulating his vision for NASA."

According to the Orlando Sentinel (1/27, Block, Matthews), "NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon are dead. So are the rockets being designed to take them there - that is, if President Barack Obama gets his way." Reportedly "according to White House insiders, agency officials, industry executives and congressional sources familiar with Obama's long-awaited plans," the entire Constellation program will be cut, with NASA directed to focus on "a new technology research and development program that will one day make human exploration of asteroids and the inner solar system possible." A conflict with Congress is seen as "looming," but reportedly the White House is "ready" for this.

In contrast, Space News (1/27, Klamper) reports, "A top White House budget official suggested to reporters Jan. 26 that NASA could still see a budget increase for 2011 despite U.S. President Barack Obama's proposed three-year freeze on most non-defense discretionary spending."