Universe Today
[/caption] Over the weekend, Democratic senator Barack Obama made a public statement during his presidential campaign trail in Titusville, Florida. Whilst responding to a question about oceanic research, Obama elaborated on his plans for the future of NASA. Previously, there have been hints that a possible Obama Presidency would see a reduction in space funding in favour of a boost in education spending. However, Saturday's statement was followed by some detailed text on Obama's campaign blog outlining his priorities for the US dominance in space, the possibility of extending the Shuttle's operations and speeding up development of the Constellation program...
Many will argue that NASA is operating on a shoestring budget as it is under the current Republican US government, so when reports circulated that the Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama wasn't prioritising NASA spending, many became concerned about the bleak future for the space program should Obama be voted in. Republican candidate John McCain has always said that if he is voted in that NASA funding would continue to be a priority.
However, in the most detailed statement yet about his vision for the future of NASA, Obama has stated, "
we have an administration that has set ambitious goals for NASA without giving NASA the support it needs to reach them
." This sentiment will be shared by many, not least by NASA officials, who have become very worried about the US position in space. Dr. Michael Griffin, NASA's Director, is fully aware of the international competition the US space agency is facing. In a
recent interview with the BBC
, Griffin was realistic about China beating the US back to the Moon. "
Certainly it is possible that if China wants to put people on the Moon, and if it wishes to do so before the United States, it certainly can. As a matter of technical capability, it absolutely can
." he said.
Ultimately, NASA is overstretched and under-funded, but will Obama's promises be followed through after the election campaign trail? Regardless, Obama has some big policy plans indicating his increased interest in space exploration. Firstly, he is highly critical of the current funding situation and voices his concern about the Shuttle-Constellation "5-year gap":
" ."
These points are shared by others. U.S. Senator Bill Nelson recently headed a rally at Cape Canaveral in response to the announced Shuttle retirement job losses,
voicing his opinion
that once the Shuttle is shelved, NASA will rely on Russia for human space flight. This would have the effect of losing skilled spacecraft engineers in the US, only to provide jobs in Russia. Obama confronts this concern and highlights Nelson's aims for the future of Cape Canaveral employees:
" ."
Wrapping up his online statement, Obama appears to be devoted to future manned missions to the "Moon, Mars and beyond," with increased spending toward robotic missions. He also links strong space technology development with improvements in the US economy and world inspiration:
" ." -
Whilst many may be suspicious of any Presidential candidate's visions before they are voted in, it is a relief to know Obama has the drive to increase NASA spending and understands that this will have far-reaching benefits for the US and the world.
Aside:
Is it me or are the anti-Obama "Paid for by John McCain 2008" ads on every website these days? Perhaps Obama needs to do some "space advocacy" ads to focus on some of the positive aspects of his campaign...
Source:
Obama '08