Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Sorry it has been awhile since my last update, but there is lots of activity within NASA and Congress - which is what I will address, but remember this reflects my own personal view.
Last week, ASGSB was invited to participate in a meeting with several science and aerospace organizations, include AGU, AURA, AAAS,AIAA, AIA, STScI, WIA, Space Enterprise Council, NSS, Planetary Society, etc. There were about 20 organizations around the table, including ASGSB. The meeting included several informal presentations by NASA, including Lori Garver, NASA Deputy Administrator, Dr. Ed Weiler, director of the Science Mission Directorate, Bobby Braun, director of Office of Chief Technology, and Laurie Leshin, associate director of the Explorations Mission Directorate. The meeting gave me an opportunity to make the community aware of the demise of Life and Physical Sciences over the last six years. It also gave me an opportunity to voice our concerns about the lack of a fundamental life and physical sciences program within NASA, and gave a gentle reminder that science at NASA is not just within the science mission directorate. I must share with you, that several of the societies clapped when they were made aware that ASGSB was at the table with them. I am working with the ASGSB board of directors to to seek common ground with these organizations to develop joint statements.
As you know, the President’s budget request, together with the meeting recently held in Florida, has laid out a path for NASA that will have far reaching effects for the future of the space program. Central to this debate has been the identification of long range goals for the human space program, and a transition path for NASA’s space transportation system. ASGSB has remained neutral with regards to NASA space transportation solution, other than we state we require transportation that is inexpensive, is scientifically accommodative, and frequently provides access to space. Equally important is the well-being of NASA’s investment in science and technology.
It is crucial for the remainder of this year and in future years to ensure that there is a balance between NASA’s programs in both space exploration and sciences. Ideally, these should be mutually supportive and based on solid investments in intellectual advancement in science, enabling technology and developing future scientists and engineers. ASGSB is trying to take an active interest in making this point publicly with regards to investment in fundamental life and physical sciences. We continue to have several key discussions with policy makers with regards to this investment. I will share with you what I can, especially if anything decisive comes out of these meetings. Thanks for reading. Comments are welcome, but with this blog (free service) you must create a google account to do so..it costs nothing and you don't receive junk mail, etc.
As you know, the President’s budget request, together with the meeting recently held in Florida, has laid out a path for NASA that will have far reaching effects for the future of the space program. Central to this debate has been the identification of long range goals for the human space program, and a transition path for NASA’s space transportation system. ASGSB has remained neutral with regards to NASA space transportation solution, other than we state we require transportation that is inexpensive, is scientifically accommodative, and frequently provides access to space. Equally important is the well-being of NASA’s investment in science and technology.
It is crucial for the remainder of this year and in future years to ensure that there is a balance between NASA’s programs in both space exploration and sciences. Ideally, these should be mutually supportive and based on solid investments in intellectual advancement in science, enabling technology and developing future scientists and engineers. ASGSB is trying to take an active interest in making this point publicly with regards to investment in fundamental life and physical sciences. We continue to have several key discussions with policy makers with regards to this investment. I will share with you what I can, especially if anything decisive comes out of these meetings. Thanks for reading. Comments are welcome, but with this blog (free service) you must create a google account to do so..it costs nothing and you don't receive junk mail, etc.
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