NASA Plays Key Exploration Role In New Administration Space Policy
WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden issued the following
statement today regarding President Obama's new National Space
Policy:
"NASA is pleased to be an integral part of President Obama's National
Space Policy. NASA's new direction, announced as part of the fiscal
year 2011 budget, is embodied in the new National Space Policy. I
would like to thank Lori Garver, my deputy, who led this policy
review for NASA, and Phil Mcalister, the NASA representative, who led
our working group effort.
"NASA has a key role in achieving the goals defined in the new policy.
We are committed to working with other agencies, industry, and
international partners to achieve national goals in exploration -
human and robotic - and technology development that will ensure a
robust future for the U.S. and our friends around the world.
"The new space policy sets our nation on a path to develop the next
generation of capabilities we will need to live and work in space.
Human and robotic exploration will flourish and bring a wealth of
economic and scientific dividends. We will reach new horizons of
discovery and expand the reach of humans throughout the solar system.
"This policy embraces the historical roles of the agency, such as
research and development of launch systems, robotic missions to
destinations throughout the solar system, and Earth science,
including climate change.
"But it also challenges NASA to embrace new roles and areas of
emphasis, such as enhancing use of the International Space Station,
identifying and characterizing of near-Earth objects, and eliminating
or limiting orbital debris and its danger to spacecraft.
"In addition, we will expand our partnerships with private industry,
allowing commercial companies to take a larger role in the
exploration of space while NASA pursues those activities the agency
is uniquely qualified to do.
"This policy will enable a vibrant, job-creating, transportation
system for taking humans to and from low-Earth orbit, which should
significantly contribute to the national economy, benefit all of our
nation's citizens, and enable exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.
This policy promises to transform human spaceflight for future
generations.
"As we pursue the capabilities of the future, our work will make life
better for people here on Earth. Our focus on innovation will
generate new jobs in new industries and revitalize the country's
industrial base for space.
"At the same time, NASA will strengthen and improve its
Earth-observing capabilities and develop new tools for
decision-makers to use this crucial data. Building on our history of
international partnerships, we will forge new relationships with
nations of all sizes to leverage our resources and achieve more than
we could on our own.
"NASA stands ready to again transform our perspectives and
expectations, and help the nation reach its highest potential."
The White House has posted the National Space Policy at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov
Source: NASA
