Space shuttle cut-NASA to devote resources to the study of global warming
In yet another of a series of astounding moves made by the Obama administration, the 2010 budget for NASA retires the space shuttle program. This will leave the United States with no space shuttle until 2015 when the Ares rockets and the Orion are launched into space.
What makes this move all the more amazing and shortsighted is the move away from space exploration on the part of the Obama administration and into the field of pop culture science and the involvement of a political agenda into NASA. A major priority of NASA now? According to Information Week, "NASA will develop new space-based research sensors in support of the administration's goal to deploy a global climate research and monitoring system." Yes, the executive budget proposal contains the funding to study greenhouse gases and global warming.
Space Foundation CEO Elliot Pulham said. "It is far from what is needed if the U.S. is to stimulate the economy, create more high-tech jobs, and hold on to its eroding leadership position in space. The proposed budget is a stay-the-course budget, not a budget for stimulus or change. Combined with the lingering absence of a NASA administrator, we are missing a golden opportunity to lead and inspire at a time when leadership and inspiration are crucial."
This comes at a time when other nations such as Japan, China, the European Union, and of course Russia are steadily pursuing their space programs and intentions of establishing manned space stations. Other countries such as North Korea, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are also pursuing their own plans of putting satellites into orbit.
The response of the United States to these intentions? Quit. Abandon the shuttle program for approximately five years. That is assuming President Obama doesn't cut the Ares rockets and the Orion programs. I have seen nothing released by the administration regarding the handling of certain treaties already in place with foreign countries space programs using our shuttle to service their platforms; such as Japans science station. The issue of servicing our own platform and equipment seems to be up in the air also (in a manner of speaking).
Wonder if this move was as well thought out as the trillion dollar stimulus plan?
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