May 9, 2008

Heretics at the AIAA

Statement by Robert Dickman - Senate Hearing on Reauthorizing the Vision for Space Exploration

"Use of the CEV to provide crew rotation for the International Space Station (ISS) is not projected after 2017, jeopardizing the opportunity to reach the full benefit of this unique research facility. There are alternatives to the Ares-Orion for access to the ISS, including commercial and government approaches. However, none will be available without additional funding."

Editor's note: It would seem that some of the occupants of the 9th floor at NASA HQ are not at all happy with what the Executive Director of the AIAA said on Capitol Hill this week. Calling for consideration of non-Ares launch solutions and alternative approaches other than those ordained by ESAS is tantamount to heresy in Mike Griffin's world view. Stay tuned.


Posted by kcowing at May 9, 2008 9:19 PM
Comments

Good testimony.

I'd be surprised if NASA leadership objects to the particular statement in the excerpt. Administrator Griffin has in effect said that the lunar program cannot be achieved if ISS has to be serviced by Ares 1/Orion. He has also expressed dismay at the prospect of having to use Russian transportation for many years. Clearly he wants U.S. commercial crew transportation services for ISS to become available.

I'm sure Dr. Griffin is keenly aware of the looming danger of having Ares/Orion get bogged down servicing the ISS and having the lunar job cancelled - essentially a hugely expensive (in time and money) way to go backwards. He needs commercial ISS crew transportation to escape that trap and free ESAS for the Moon and beyond, so I'd expect him to promote it.

Posted by: Ray at May 10, 2008 1:01 AM

What is the point of having a rocket, "Ares 1" that is to expensive to fly to the ISS? Maybe Mike should answer that question.

Posted by: RayGun at May 11, 2008 9:56 AM

After the latest Soyuz TMA-11 incident and subsequent investigation, Mike Griffin is going to face more pressure under the hot lights as Congress wakes up to the "Russian -Dependency Option" that he has chosen and all the perils it holds. Cancelling the Shuttle prematurely in 2010 is a big strategic mistake.

Posted by: George at May 12, 2008 9:57 AM
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