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NASA Funding Critical to U.S. Leadership in Space

Posted on: Friday, 19 June 2009, 14:21 CDT

ARLINGTON, Va., June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA stands front and center as the most visible representation of the U.S. space program and is critical to our country's future leadership and competitiveness, AIA Vice President of Space Systems J.P. Stevens said Thursday.

"Over the last 50 years, space technologies have increasingly become an important part of our nation's economic, scientific and national security fabric," Stevens said in testimony to the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. "However, other nations are making rapid advancements, and our leadership in space is no longer guaranteed."

AIA strongly supports the current proposed NASA budget of $18.7 billion, however, Stevens noted that zero growth is budgeted through 2013.

"This is a real concern. The Chinese absolutely want to send humans to the moon and are putting in the resources to make it happen," said Stevens in response to a question. "If we continue to delay our programs, it's quite possible that the Chinese will return to the moon first."

Stevens made a number of recommendations regarding NASA reauthorization, including treating the U.S. Space Exploration Policy and Constellation Program as a national priority to minimize the impending gap in U.S. human spaceflight.

He also urged funding for NASA in a number of other critical areas be strengthened including aeronautics for timely development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System and education initiatives to attract youth to careers with NASA and the aerospace industry.

Finally, the Commercial Space Launch Amendment, which expires this year, needs to be renewed to keep the U.S. space launch industry healthy.

The testimony is available on AIA's Web site at www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/speeches_testimony/ .

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association

Source: PR Newswire

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