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A New Era of Space Exploration: Realizing the President's Vision

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 July 2004, 06:00 CDT

On January 14, President Bush presented his new space exploration policy, "A Renewed Spirit of Discovery: The President's Vision for U.S. Space Exploration," which set a new course for NASA and America's space program. The fundamental goal of this vision is to advance U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests through a robust space exploration program.

According to the President's new vision, "U.S. achievements in space have revolutionized humanity's view of the universe, and have inspired Americans and people around the world." As NASA embarks on the implementation of this vision, it is hoped that the "new technologies required for further space exploration also will improve the nation's other space activities and may provide applications that could be used to address problems on Earth."

The main goals of the President's vision are:

* Implement a sustained and affordable human and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyond;

* Extend human presence across the solar system, starting with a human return to the Moon by 2020, in preparation for human exploration of Mars and other destinations;

* Develop the innovative technologies, knowledge, and infrastructures both to explore and to support decisions about the destinations for human exploration; and

* Promote international and commercial participation in exploration to further U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests.

A drawing of astronauts and robots exploring Mars. (John Frassanito & Associates)

The President also established the Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy. The Commission is chaired by Edward C. "Pete" Aldridge, Jr., former Secretary of the Air Force, and includes private- and public-sector experts who will provide recommendations to the President on implementing this new vision.

NASA's actions will include completion of the International Space Station, retiring the Space Shuttle and putting the new Crew Exploration Vehicle into service, and focusing space station research on supporting new exploration goals. The agency has already begun to re-align programs and organizations, and will demonstrate new technical capabilities and undertake new robotic precursor missions to the Moon and Mars before the end of the decade.

Astronaut Nancy Currie, wearing an advanced, lightweight spacesuit, works with NASA's Robonaut, a robotic assistant for space exploration. (NASA)

Immediately following the President's announcement of his new vision, NASA announced a comprehensive restructuring of the offices within Headquarters in Washington. The alignment impacts NASA management, the strategic Enterprises, and the agency's functional offices. Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Craig E. Steidle was named the new Associate Administrator for NASA's Office of Exploration Systems, which was established to set priorities and direct the identification, development, and validation of exploration systems and related technologies.

For this month's Who's Who at NASA, which follows, NASA Tech Briefs recently sat down with Admiral Steidle to talk about the President's new vision, NASA's plans for its implementation, and Admiral Steidle's responsibilities for directing those activities.

An artist's concept of lunar exploration. (John Frassanito & Associates)

According to NASA Administrator Scan O'Keefe, "Our aim is to explore in a sustainable, affordable, and flexible manner. I cannot overstate how much NASA will change in the coming years as this plan is implemented. I also cannot overstate how profound the rewards will be on this new course."

For more information, download the complete Vision for Space Exploration document at: www.techbriefs.com/Vision.

A Roadmap to Discovery - The President's Vision for Space Exploration sets the following goals that will help define and guide space exploration activities through 2020 and beyond, including both robotic and manned missions.

Copyright Associated Business Publications Jul 2004

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