Oiling the Wheels

Frank's Note: Check out this report on federal campaign contributions for last year's campaign cycle at Open Secrets

Honeywell lead the defense/aerospace sector with a total contributions of $2.5 million. Lockheed was right behind at $1.6 million and Boeing in third place at $1.3 million. Interestingly enough, their contributions were almost evenly divided between Dems and the GOP, with Dems slightly ahead in the dollars donated. Of course, from the perspective of the aerospace giants, this just makes good (political) sense. But how do readers think change will come about if the status quo is so well represented?

Local Elections

Olson wins, reclaiming House seat for GOP, Houston Chronicle

"Republican Pete Olson is celebrating his success returning a heavily Republican, suburban Houston congressional district to GOP control. Olson ousted Democratic Rep. Nick Lampson in Tuesday's election."

Democrats Kosmas, Grayson defeat GOP veterans Keller, Feeney, Orlando Sentinel

"I got licked," Feeney said in a short concession speech to supporters, some of whom were in tears. "There are differences between me and Kosmas, but I wish her well."

Democrat takes seat vacated by Cramer, Huntsville Times

"After one of the most contentious congressional races in recent history, the 5th Congressional District has a new U.S. representative in Parker Griffith."

IFPTE on Election 2008

IFPTE Letter to Members on Election 2008 Issues

"It is has been a hard 8 years for NASA. President Bush's initial mistake was to downsize, outsource, and undermine the technical independence of NASA's civil-servant workforce. The Republican plan was to eliminate about a fifth of its independent in-house experts and most civil-service protections. This nave ideology, that federal laboratories such as NASA should be run like a private business with the cold, untechnical perspective of a bean-counter, tragically contributed to the Columbia disaster and led to the subsequent hurried and flawed planning for President Bush's Vision for Space Exploration."

Obama Space Policy News

Astronaut Rusty Schweikart, Obamanauts To Launch Weekend Canvassing, GOTV Efforts

"On Saturday, November 1, former Apollo crew member Rusty Schweickart will launch final canvassing and Get Out the Vote efforts for the Obama-Biden campaign. Schweikart will then join the Obamanauts - Space Coast residents who support Barack Obama - along with hundreds of volunteers from every corner of the state to knock on doors this weekend to personally contact thousands of voters before Election Day and encourage them to take advantage of the last days of early voting."

Diamandis editorial supports Obama Space Policy

"Responding largely to concerns voiced by Florida's voters, Senator Obama has offered an unambiguous pledge to right-size NASA's budget. But his space policy is not devoted solely to NASA; it points to an Obama Administration's support for space commercialization, space workforce retention, space research and technology development, national security space programs, space-based environmental monitoring, and using space to inspire our nation's youth to excel in math and science."

Previous McCain and Obama Election posts

McCain Changes Stance on NASA Funding

Remarks by John McCain in Miami, FL (29 Oct 2008)

"I will freeze government spending on all but the most important programs like defense, veterans care, NASA, Social Security and health care until we scrub every single government program and get rid of the ones that aren't working for the American people. And I will veto every single pork barrel bill Congresses passes."

He Did It Again: In Ormond Beach, McCain Pledges Spending Freeze with No Exception for NASA

"Days after attempting to clarify his ever-changing position on space funding, John McCain returned to the region this morning and reinstituted his call for a spending freeze - without an exception for NASA. Speaking in Ormond Beach, McCain promised to freeze spending on "all but the most important programs like defense, veterans care, social security and health care," pledging to "veto every single pork barrel earmark." Notably absent was any exception for space funding, muddying a position McCain tried to clear up last week."

Previous McCain and Obama Election posts

Sally Ride on Space, Education, and the Election

Inspired kids will reach for stars under Obama, Sally Ride, Orlando Sentinel

"Somewhere in America today, there's a 10-year-old girl who could be the first person to walk on Mars. She's probably playing with a toy chemistry set or a kid's telescope right now, gazing up at the heavens and dreaming big dreams. I know a lot about that girl because in 1961, during the inspirational early days of our space program, that was me. The world that girl will enter, and in particular the state of our space and science industries, is different for her than it was for me. In some ways, she has greater opportunities. While still unacceptably behind men, women have more avenues to becoming scientists today than they did when I answered a call in a newspaper ad to become an astronaut. In other ways, our space program has lost the national stature it had when I was growing up. In both regards, though, we can and must do better."

Obama Prefers Spock - The REAL One

Editor's note: We all know by now that Mike Griffin prefers to call himself "Spock" (audio). But who does the REAL Spock (Leonard Nimoy) prefer in election 2008? Listen to this excerpt from a recent appearance by Nimoy and you will hear about an encounter between Barack Obama and Nimoy a while back - and yes, Obama does the Vulcan salute. Hmmm ... does this have any bearing upon space policy under a possible Obama administration?

Video below

Biden on Space Policy

Senator Biden on Reinvigorating our Space Program

"When John F. Kennedy challenged the nation to go to the moon, he noted that the space industry not only demanded the best minds, it also created the best jobs. Ladies and gentlemen, the objective was not just to go to the moon. But it was to get another 435,000 engineers and scientists and mathematicians. When the Shuttle is retired, NASA estimates that 3,500 jobs could be lost - and that doesn't count the impact on local businesses or the long-term cost of allowing our global leadership to atrophy. The Bush Administration has left our space program in a very difficult position. And John McCain, as Chairman of the Commerce Committee hasn't helped. He oversaw the plan to retire the Space Shuttle before a replacement was ready."

Obama Campaign Hits McCain Again on NASA in Florida

He Did It Again: In Ormond Beach, McCain Pledges Spending Freeze with No Exception for NASA

"Days after attempting to clarify his ever-changing position on space funding, John McCain returned to the region this morning and reinstituted his call for a spending freeze - without an exception for NASA. Speaking in Ormond Beach, McCain promised to freeze spending on "all but the most important programs like defense, veterans care, social security and health care," pledging to "veto every single pork barrel earmark." Notably absent was any exception for space funding, muddying a position McCain tried to clear up last week."

Previous McCain and Obama Election posts

A Speech That I'd Like To See The Next President Deliver

Editor's note: I wrote this about a month ago.

A Speech on Space Exploration by President XXXXXXX

Delivered XX, XXXXX 2009

Last Fall we celebrated NASA's 50th anniversary. When you celebrate such events you always look back - and look forward. NASA is made of people - and people pause and reflect. NASA is no different.

As we look back at NASA's history we see stunning accomplishments, difficult challenges, heartbreaks, roaring resurgence, and continued exploration. Yet as with any human endeavor, reaching age 50 calls for some introspection and some re-prioritization.

In 2004 NASA was given an opportunity it had not had for a generation - a new commitment to the human exploration of other worlds. This happened barely a year after the agency suffered the tragic loss of Columbia and her crew. The President of the United States of America came to NASA to give the agency its new "vision". With a renewed commitment to explore, NASA set forth to develop the plans and hardware needed to implement this new era of human exploration.

However, within a short time, NASA fell back on bad habits. Discarding the wisdom of the marketplace and a bounty of external ideas, it discarded this advice, and picked an architecture that relied upon re-designing existing hardware under the guise of reusing it. And there was no back up plan in case things did not work out. All too soon, things did not work out and America's replacement for the Space Shuttle's crew carrying capability slipped further into the future. The gap between the retirement of the Space Shuttle and its replacement grew when the wisest course would have been to shrink it - indeed, to eliminate it.

When the President announced NASA's new plans, he said that the Space Shuttle would be retired once the International Space Station would be completed. Within a short period of time, however, NASA reinterpreted that guidance and said that the shuttle will be retired on a certain date and that the resulting space station - however incomplete - would be finished. At the same time, NASA began to speak of the space station, something it had fought to build for two decades, as something it would no longer need- and indeed, it would walk away from - just as it was capable of doing all of the things NASA had been claiming it would. Indeed, some at NASA referred to this marvel of engineering as a "mistake".

Returning the shuttle to flight status took much longer than expected. It was also much more expensive. Katrina devastated some of NASA's infrastructure. NASA had a tough path ahead.

This new vision for space exploration would not be cheap. NASA was promised the funds. Congress signed off on the plans. But when things got tough, the money was not there - the reasons for this were complex (as they always are in Washington) and NASA was left with a plan to do more - with much less than it needed to accomplish its tasks.

The vision, once clear, had now become clouded. NASA also developed a bad case of attention deficit disorder. A scant 4 years after it was announced, NASA's new exploration mission was stuck in a sand bar when it should have been leaving port.

The vision's intent was not unwise. America was founded by explorers - prehistoric and much more recent. America has lead in the exploration of our world, our solar system - our universe. So it is not at all out of character for us to seek to lead a renewed course of exploration - to pick up unfinished business on the moon we abandoned a generation ago and to move on to new challenges and destinations.

However flawed the implementation of the vision has been, that can and must be fixed. It can be fixed by adhering to the maxim suggested by Frank Lloyd Wright: “form follows function”. NASA must be retuned and reformatted to be 21st century compliant. In so doing we must never throw out old ways of doing things if they still work and are best to accomplish a task. That said, NASA, often referred in iconic fashion as a bastion of rocket science and overall smarts, needs to be able to use both supercomputers as well as the same tools that kids in 7th grade make use of without thinking.

The oft-used phrase "If we can put a man on the moon ..." should no longer be an excuse for why someone else cannot do something hard. Rather, It should be a challenge - a rallying cry - to do it again - and do it better - and then to do even harder things. Because that is what we Americans thrive upon: a challenge to go where no one has gone before. Yes, I know who first said that.

So how do we do this?

Instead of adopting a policy whereby we walk away from our space infrastructure we should embrace an approach whereby we utilize what we have until - and unless - we have a capability to replace it. If we continue the long process of creating projects only to abandon them for something else we will not only waste taxpayer funds, we will utilize previous political capital as well.

Instead of a monolithic architecture that has few if any entry points for new partners in a global plan for exploration of space, an open source approach should be adopted - one whereby nations, companies, and other entities can leverage their capabilities and expertise in multiple ways. One size does not fit all when it comes to participating in space exploration.

NASA needs to re-engage with all Americans. NASA should once again strive to be relevant to every American in their daily lives in both a practical and inspirational way. NASA should to seek out the active participation of all Americans in its science, education, technology, and exploration activities.

There is a phrase many space exploration afficandos like to use: "The meek shall inherit the Earth. The rest of us will go to the stars." OK, that's a little edgy - but I can identify with that. But not everyone wants to climb into a rocketship and play Buck Rogers. But we all want to watch.

I prefer another phrase, however - one uttered by Anne Herbert back in 1978. She said "The sky starts at your feet. Think how brave you are to walk around."

We are all explorers - each in our own way - everyday.

NASA is a place where dreams power reality. It has drifted a bit. I will put it back on track. But I need your help.

You will know that NASA's efforts in this regard will be complete when a child in a rural community - or one in an economically challenged neighborhood - looks up at the sky at night and sees her future - and knows how to make it happen.

We should all explore space - every day - together. THAT is what NASA shall recommit itself to doing.

We all get to go. We all get to explore. We all become inspired.

Thank you.

Obama on Chandrayaan-1 Launch

Statement from Barack Obama on India's Lunar Launch

"As a child, I remember sitting on my grandfather's shoulders and watching the Apollo astronauts return from a splashdown to Hickam Air Force Base, dreaming of where they had been. It inspired my imagination and gave me confidence in what we as Americans could achieve. It's time for a space program that inspires our children again. As President, I will lead our space program boldly into the 21st Century - so when my daughters, and all our children, look up to the skies, they see Americans leading the way into the deepest reaches of our solar system."

Previous McCain and Obama Election posts

Obama Hits McCain on Space via Radio

Obama Hits McCain On Health Care, NASA, National Journal

"Obama also released a radio spot in Florida Thursday accusing McCain of wanting to cut NASA funding, an argument that turns on McCain's proposal to enact a spending freeze to close the budget deficit. McCain "wants to freeze NASA spending at last year's level," says Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., in the ad. "So layoffs would loom larger, and NASA would continue to be starved of funds for future exploration."

McCain Pledges Money and Support for NASA

McCain Promises $2 Billion to Help NASA, WS Journal

"Sen. John McCain came to the space coast today and promised $2 billion to help NASA transition from the space shuttle to a new space vehicle. "I've always been a strong supporter of manned space flight and NASA," he said in a community that is home to many in the field. "If I'm elected president I won't cut NASA funds like Sen. Obama." McCain aides noted that Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, had promised to pay for education programs by delaying the Constellation space program, which is meant to fill the gap to the next space vehicle, only to backtrack later."

John McCain campaigns in Melbourne, seeks Space Coast votes, Orlando Sentinel

"The Obama campaign immediately seized on what it said was a change in McCain's space stance. "One day it's a spending freeze; the next day it's not; but whatever his stance is, Space Coast voters are looking for a change from the Bush-McCain policies that brought us to the brink of thousands of job losses," Obama spokeswoman Adrianne Marsh said."

Nelson Vs McCain Over NASA

CQ Transcripts: Obama and McCain Advisers Hold Teleconferences on Healthcare Plans, CQ Politics

"Sen. Nelson: Well, as we speak, John McCain has left Miami and he's en route to my home town of Melbourne. And the fact that he's going to Brevard County is an indication that he is quite concerned that Barack has really sliced in to that traditionally Republican area, because Barack has a very detailed proposal on America's space program, and John McCain has had a proposal, as he said two nights ago in the debate, of a freeze at last year's levels across the board.

Barack has addressed this. And I submit to you that that's exactly why McCain is going to Brevard County, which went heavily for George Bush over John Kerry , and he's going in there because he knows that -- that Barack has -- has absolutely pierced those Republican engineers who are so concerned about America's space program."

Obama Releases Space-Themed TV Spot

Obama Touts Connection to Space Program in New National Ad (with video)

"Barack Obama launched a new national television ad today that prominently features Apollo Astronauts as Obama recounts how they inspired his early days. In the 60-second ad entitled "Buster," Obama speaks directly to the camera about the lessons he learned from the early space program and what it taught him about America. The ad is the first by either presidential candidate to highlight the space program. Obama has pledged to increase NASA funding to save Florida jobs and maintain America's leadership in space. Senator McCain has pledged to freeze discretionary spending in his first year, which would negatively impact the space program."

Biden Mentions Space in Florida

Biden Discusses Economy, Obama During Local 6 Interview, local6.com

"Number two, look what John wants to do with the space program. He wants to essentially put it on ice. I think it is clear, Florida is hurting."

Just Say No To Overhead Projectors

Reader note: "I hope you will write a post on this tidbit of ludditery from McCain at tonight's Presidential debate. Senator McCain said Sen. Obama supported a congressional earmark of "$3 million for an overhead projector at a planetarium in Chicago, Ill. My friends, do we need to spend that kind of money?" The Adler Planetarium to which Sen. McCain refers is one of our key education and public outreach partners for many NASA projects. Sen. McCain's criticism of the heart of the Adler Planetarium is anti-science, threatening to kill off one of the best ways we have to communicate the scientific results of a NASA mission to the public. The suggestion that this is somehow just an overpriced tranparency projector is disengenous at best."

Obama Announces FY08 Federal Funding Requests

"Adler Planetarium, to support replacement of its projector and related equipment, $3,000,000 - One of its most popular attractions and teaching tools at the Adler Planetarium is the Sky Theater. The projection equipment in this theater is 40 years old, and is no longer supported with parts or service by the manufacturer. It has begun to fail, leaving the theater dark and groups of school students and other interested museum-goers without this very valuable and exciting learning experience."

Union Event at KSC

Wednesday Obama Campaign Press Conference: Just Laid Off From Their Space Industry Jobs, Workers To Respond to GOP's Anti-NASA Stance

"WEDNESDAY, October 8, engineers and other space industry workers will hold a press conference to denounce Senator John McCain's plan to freeze NASA spending and his Republican Party's attack on the space program. The Republicans' criticism of Senator Barack Obama's $2 billion plan to save space industry jobs comes as NASA Administrator and Republican appointee Dr. Michael Griffin thanked Senator Obama personally for his "leadership" in getting critical legislation passed to help maintain an American presence in space. Griffin wrote to Obama: "without your leadership, this would not have happened."

Griffin to Obama: Without Your Leadership ...

Obama Gets a Thank You from NASA, NY Times

"NASA confirmed that Dr. Griffin sent the note, which first appeared on the website nasawatch.com, but added that he sent similar letters to other members of Congress. ... With the economy tipping precariously, was Dr. Griffin trying to ensure that at least one employee of the space agency would remain in his job in January? It does not sound like the Griffin style, frankly -- he is an engineer, not a Washington schmoozer, and when asked to describe his feelings early in his tenure, replied, ""I don't do feelings. Just think of me as Spock"

Click on image to enlarge

McCain Vs RNC on NASA Funding

Obama Spend-O-Meter, Republican National Committee

"Obama Has Proposed $2 Billion In Additional NASA Funding. "Sen. Barack Obama has detailed a comprehensive space plan that includes $2 billion in new funding to reinvigorate NASA and a promise to make space exploration and science a significantly higher priority if he is elected president." (Marc Kaufman, "Obama Suggests $2 Billion In New Funding For NASA," The Washington Post, 8/19/08)"

John McCain: America's Space Program

"As President, John McCain will - Ensure that space exploration is top priority and that the U.S. remains a leader; - Commit to funding the NASA Constellation program to ensure it has the resources it needs to begin a new era of human space exploration. - Review and explore all options to ensure U.S. access to space by minimizing the gap between the termination of the Space Shuttle and the availability of its replacement vehicle; ..."

Editor's note: The Washington post article that the RNC quotes also says "While Obama's ambitious plan embraces President Bush's 2004 "vision" to send astronauts to the moon by 2020 and later to Mars -- a plan McCain co-sponsored in the Senate -- the Democratic presidential candidate said the administration's "poor planning and inadequate funding" have undermined the effort and jeopardized U.S. leadership in space."

I am not certain how McCain can accomplish what he has proposed - which seems to be more or less what Obama has proposed - unless he either increases NASA's budget or cuts something rather dramatically to pay for what he wants to see NASA do. That said, McCain does have a strong stance in support of NASA. As such, the RNC snipe at Obama for holding a similar stance to McCain's is curious. Perhaps the RNC did not check with the McCain folks ...

Nelson hits RNC on NASA stance, Orlando Sentinel

"Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida said the Republican National Committee "just stepped in it" when they blasted Barack Obama for his promise to give NASA $2 billion more in funding. "It's not only ridiculous, it shows how totally out of it they are," said Nelson, who said extra NASA funding helps grow jobs in Florida, home to the Kennedy Space Center and a key swing state in the upcoming presidential election. "They simply don't know what they are talking about."

Washington Examiner Space Blogger Goes The Nazi Route

Editor's note: Former NASA PAO flack Patti Phillips is clearly losing it over at the Washington Examiner. She uses a post about Obama and space policy to launch off on a bizzare path that ends with Nazis. Sure, Patti's over the top rant at Obama is just that. But the link to a video she includes - a video that overtly uses Nazi symbology and swastikas in comparison to the campaign banners used by the Obama campaign and overlays films of Hitler youth with audio of children signing an Obama campaign song - is just plain obscene and has no place in civilized discussion. She introduces the video by saying "You decide if the Obama truth squads, youth squads, and hype are bringing some horrific history back to life. Here's a provocative YouTube video that wraps up some current issues." What was this woman thinking?

Editor's update: This just appeared online at the Examiner: "Note: at the request of an Examiner editor,  who had concerns about the harshness of the comments posted in response, the video has been removed." "Harshness"? The YouTube video "Obama Youth Revolution - Sing For Socialism" that Patti Phillips thought was appropriate is outright racist. Patti did not have the common morals to see that this video was outright inappropropriate - but her editor did. This is what the page looked like before. Note that the title "Obama builds up the rubber in his space flip flops, truth squads, and kid allegiance squads" is now simply "Obama builds up the rubber in his space flip flops". Look at the URL for the story "http://www.examiner.com/x-504-Space-News-Examiner~y2008m10d6-Obama-builds-up-the-rubber-in-his-space-flip-flops-truth-squads-and-kid-allegiance-squads". Also, removed are the allusions to Hitlerian tactics, the video, and outraged reader comments. Let's just pretend that this never happend, eh Patti? I wonder what Patti will come up with next as she tries to link space policy to an ever-increasing array of partisan and bizzare topics.

Obama on World Space Week

Sen. Obama Issues Statement on World Space Week

"Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement today on World Space Week and the 50th Anniversary of the inception of NASA: "This week, we join more than 50 nations around the world in celebrating World Space Week. And this year, as we mark the 50th anniversary of NASA, our space program is at a crossroads. As other countries are moving forward in space, my opponent's vision would cause us to fall unacceptably behind. His pledge to freeze all discretionary spending for programs other than veterans and defense would assure the loss of thousands of jobs in Florida, and seriously threaten America's leadership in space. I have a different vision. My plan to revitalize our space program will reduce the gap between the Space Shuttle's retirement and its next-generation replacement; and we'll increase funding for a robust human space exploration program and research that pushes the very boundaries of discovery."

President Clinton Reinforces Senator Obama's Plans to Preserve and Reinvigorate Space Program, earlier post

Clinton on Obama's Space Policy

President Clinton Reinforces Senator Obama's Plans to Preserve and Reinvigorate Space Program

"ORLANDO - TODAY, speaking in Orlando and Fort Pierce, President Bill Clinton spoke to Floridians about reasons a Barack Obama and Joe Biden administration would benefit Americans. The former President strongly supported Obama's policies on the economy, energy independence and health care. Possibly the most salient of issues for Floridians was the former President's support of Barack Obama's vision for a robust space program. "He has a plan to support the space industry, which I think is important not just to Florida but to America. This is a very big deal," said Clinton during his speech in Orlando. "We have a vested interest in staying on the frontiers of technological change and many of the answers to our environmental and other challenges will be found by continuing the push into space."

The Election, Space, Logic, and Choices

The President of Free Space, Part 3: Hope or Fear, Discovery News

"Silly me. When I embarked on this freelance journalism project to chase down strings of rationality in the race for the U.S. presidency, using the space program as my fishing reel, I made a bad assumption. I thought rationality MATTERED to all people. You know? Fact-gathering, logical reasoning, analysis, verification … the processes of science? Please stop chuckling. I know I should have known better. So forget about the LOGICAL thing to do for NASA, let alone the country. I've realized what counts most in our society is a good story. We love drama. If it was our gross domestic product, we'd have so much money Sarah Palin would be writing us checks from the Treasury, just like they do with oil revenue in Alaska."

Yet Another Secret Space Discussion

Presidential space debate closed to public, Orlando Sentinel

"The meeting is closed, definitely closed, and that is not going to change," said Alexis Allen, a spokeswoman for Aerospace Industries Association, a trade industry group. "I think there has been a lot of public debate and not every forum has to be a public event."

Editor's note: What is the AIA afraid of? An informed electorate?

Getting Science Right In The Next Administration

Report offers advice to McCain, Obama on science and technology appointments, National Academy of Sciences
 
"The report recommends that the president and Senate accelerate the appointment process for S&T leadership to reduce the personal and financial burdens on nominees and to allow important positions to be filled swiftly. Congress and the Office of Government Ethics should simplify procedures aimed at avoiding conflicts of interest in appointees, which have become unduly complex over the years. And scientific and professional societies should more actively reach out to the president's science adviser and other senior administration leaders to provide input that broadens the pool of candidates for appointments."

McCain and Obama on Science

McCain, Obama Weigh in on Science

"Entering the debate on several contentious science issues, John McCain today answered the "14 top science questions facing America," according to ScienceDebate2008.com, the group leading an effort to make science issues a larger part of the election. His answers join those of Barack Obama, who answered the same questions two weeks ago. Recent national polls have shown that 85% of voters would like the see the candidates debate these challenges, and the majority of voters are much more likely to vote for a candidate that has a plan for tackling these issues."

President of Free Space

The President of Free Space, Part 1, Free Space

"Rational thought, the foundation of science, the reason why there are rovers scratching the sand on Mars today, has been largely absent from the American political scene, and perhaps the American way of life for a long time now. Institutions created to solve specific problems, became incarnated (think FDR's New Deal and LBJ's Great Society) and never went away. That's what NASA is fighting now. Its leaders know the agency needs to dematerialize, shed its expensive and deadly shuttle program, and return to its core roots of space exploration."

Editor's note: And yet despite the occasional, rational reasons for mentioning space in this election, space is getting some play for other reasons: its iconic, inspirational aspects. Hillary Clinton went down the visceral, emotional path when she mentioned the number of female astronauts NASA now has as an indication of how far women had come in our society. And a pre-speech film about Barack Obama showed Apollo footage as he spoke about seeing Apollo astronauts returning home - and his grandfather's suggestion that if Americans can do this - they can do anything.

Alas, despite Obama's grandfather's statement, it is apparently going to take longer for NASA to send humans back to the Moon than it did the first time - and the rocket science seems to be harder this time than it was the first time around.

McCain, Vitter, and Hutchison Want To Consider Shuttle Flights Past 2010

McCain asks Bush to tell NASA not to dismantle shuttle infrastructure, Orlando Sentinel

"Sen. John McCain -- joined by Republican colleagues Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas and David Vitter of New Orleans -- sent a letter to President Bush this week, saying that in light of tensions with Russia, the White House should tell NASA to stop any further dismantling of the shuttle infrastructure for at least a year to keep open the possibility of more shuttle flights beyond 2010."

Full text of letter

Campaign Update

McCain, Obama compete to be seen as friend of NASA, Houston Chronicle

Obama Suggests $2 Billion In New Funding for NASA, Washington post

"Sen. Barack Obama has detailed a comprehensive space plan that includes $2 billion in new funding to reinvigorate NASA and a promise to make space exploration and science a significantly higher priority if he is elected president.

Campaigning in Florida yesterday, Sen. John McCain responded by telling business leaders that Obama has changed his position on some key questions of NASA funding in recent months and should not be trusted to support the program."

McCain Shoots Back at Obama on Space

In Florida, McCain jabs Obama on NASA funding, Christian Science Monitor

"I know that earlier this year, Senator Obama proposed cutting the NASA budget and delaying the timetable for our return to the Moon and the Mars mission," McCain said. "I believe that he later repudiated his own plan. Sometimes it is difficult to know what a politician will actually do once in office, because they say different things at different times to different people. This is a particular problem when a candidate has a short, thin record on the issues as in the case of Senator Obama."

McCain says he's the one to keep US in space, Reuters

"On a visit to Florida's Space Coast, home to the NASA complex at Cape Canaveral, the Arizona Republican said as U.S. president, he would make space exploration a top priority and ensure that the United States retains its leadership role."

Barack Obama: Advancing the Frontiers of Space Exploration
Earlier Election 2008 postings

Florida Dems Rip McCain's Space Record

Florida Democratic Party: Straight Talk On McCain's Failed NASA Record

"While John McCain is visiting Titusville today, holding a closed door meeting to talk about NASA issues, the Florida Democratic Party thought Floridians might appreciate some Straight Talk about John McCain's failed record on space issues. "How can the Space Coast trust John McCain when he has failed us so many other times? In the Senate, Chairman McCain was the one man that could have stood up to prevent the space flight gap and save thousands of Space Coast jobs, however, as is the case with so many other issues, McCain instead stood with President Bush. And to add insult to injury, McCain fought against NASA funding calling it pork barrel spending," said Eric Jotkoff, Florida Democratic Party spokesman."

McCain Space Policy Paper, earlier post
Earlier Election 2008 postings

Obama Pledges to Find $2 billion for NASA

Obama vows to find $2bn for NASA, Orlando Sentinel

"But until Sunday, the democratic policy, while clearly ambitious, was lacking in details of how much an Obama administration would give to NASA, and where the funds to try to speed up development of a successor rocket to the space shuttle were going to come from. According to Nelson, the Obama campaign has pledged to find $2 billion for NASA by clawing back pork barrel earmarks, such as, Nelson said, "a highway in Alaska to nowhere."

Evolving Obama now supports $2 billion more for NASA, Houston Chronicle

"The most important change in Obama's past positions is that he now favors at least one additional space shuttle mission before it is retired. Nelson said Obama's staff assured him that the presidential candidate now favors the congressional plan to add $2 billion to NASA's budget."

Barack Obama: Advancing the Frontiers of Space Exploration
McCain Space Policy Paper, earlier post
Earlier Election 2008 postings

Space Policy: More From McCain This Week?

Obama favors fast track for new space ferry, St. Petersburg Times

"... These details are included in a seven-page policy statement the campaign is expected to formally release today. John McCain has previously said he supports the moon-and-Mars exploration strategy, and that he, too, will work to minimize the number of years in which NASA has no way to send astronauts into space."

Obama: Let's go to moon, and maybe Mars, Orlando Sentinel

"The policy puts new pressure on McCain ahead of his private meeting with space-industry leaders. McCain's low-key visit to the Space Coast comes more than two weeks after Obama held a town-hall meeting in Titusville where he pledged his support to a robust space policy and said he would no longer seek to raid NASA's budget to support his education-reform plans. McCain, on the other hand, has been quiet about his space policy beyond endorsing sending Americans to the moon. He recently released his own enhanced position on the issue on his Web site without any fanfare."

McCain Space Policy Paper, earlier post

Earlier Election 2008 postings

Obama Position Paper on Space Exploration

Barack Obama: Advancing the Frontiers of Space Exploration

"When I was growing up, NASA united Americans to a common purpose and inspired the world with accomplishments we are still proud of. Today, NASA is an organization that impacts many facets of American life. I believe NASA needs an inspirational vision for the 21st Century. My vision will build on the great goals set forth in recent years, to maintain a robust program of human space exploration and ensure the fulfillment of NASA's mission. Together, we can ensure that NASA again reflects all that is best about our country and continue our nation's preeminence in space." ...

... "Human spaceflight is important to America's political, economic, technological, and scientific leadership. Barack Obama will support renewed human exploration beyond low earth orbit. He endorses the goal of sending human missions to the Moon by 2020, as a precursor in an orderly progression to missions to more distant destinations, including Mars."

McCain Space Policy Paper, earlier post

Earlier Election 2008 postings

Election Debate on Space

Initial thoughts from the Mars Society debate, The Space Review

"There was a sharp contrast between Garver and Cunningham. Garver has been working space policy issues for a long time, and recently has been working with the Obama campaign (she noted that she has had the opportunity to talk with Obama several times, including recently). Cunningham, on the other hand, does not appear to have an active role in the McCain campaign, at least on space issues; he mentioned that after he was invited to participate he had to read up on what both campaigns had said on the issue. Or, as he put it, "I don't talk to the senator. He calls me." This made it difficult at times to separate what Cunningham was saying on behalf of the campaign and what were his own opinions."

McCain Space Policy Paper

John McCain: America's Space Program

"Current U.S. space operations policy commits the U.S. to completing the International Space Station (ISS) by 2010 and then terminating the Space Shuttle flights, with the completion of the ISS. The NASA vision for space exploration calls for sending a robotic lunar lander to the Moon in 2008/2009 time period to begin searching for potential base sites and for development and deployment of a new manned space craft for lunar missions. The current policy also calls for new vehicles (referred to as the Orion crew vehicle and the Ares launch vehicle) to be ready for Earth orbit by 2015 and lunar landing by 2020 with an eventual mission to Mars. As President, John McCain will ... "

Election 2008 News

Editor's note: I am curious about this line: "a robotic lunar lander to the Moon in 2008/2009 time period" I wonder what NASA planning documents the McCain folks are reading ...

Imaginary Party Splits and Bad Facts at the Washington Examiner

Rocket Man? Obama Tries to Hitch a Ride on Space Politics, Washington Examiner

"And some people, like Sen. Barack Obama, find the religion in space exploration when it's late in the campaign season, criticisms over his anti-space views are flying, and rumors of a Democratic party split over space are gaining velocity."

Space a Potential Fracture Line at Democratic National Convention?, Washington Examiner

"On the other hand, there's the presumptive nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, who's widely regarded as anti-space, despite this weeks's Google spin."

Editor's note: Question for author (former NASA PAO) Patricia Phillips: And you base these statements of yours on ... facts? You only seem to be citing "rumors". If you actually have some facts, please provide that underlying information to prove that Obama is indeed "anti-space" or perceived to be that way. For this to be an issue that is splitting the party thousands of people within the Democratic Party would need to be aware of this issue. You'll need to prove that too.

Oh yes, Patricia Phillips, who openly touts her NASA credentials, seems to be totally ignorant of a few historic facts as they relate to space exploration. NACA was the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics. NACA became NASA in 1958. But Obama is not talking about NACA. If Phillips had taken the time to carefully read or listen to what Obama said, she'd have seen that he was talking about bringing back "the National Aeronautics and Space Council". The Space Council, an advisory body operated by the White House and chaired by the Vice President is not - nor has it ever been - the same thing as NACA. Do a little more research before you dump on people in the future, Patricia.

Editor's update: I just got a really weird email from Patricia Phillips. Either she does not understand that she made an error or she does but has no intention of fixing it. Publicly released text and video of Sen. Obama speaking in Florida utterly refute her claim that he was talking about NACA. Oh well.

P.S. She also thinks a company named "McDonnell-Douglas" still exists.

Florida Democrats Rip McCain on Space

Florida Democratic Party: McCain's Low Road on NASA

"Once again, John McCain and his campaign have decided to take the low road rather than defend his own record on NASA issues, which Florida Today called "downright schizophrenic." Not only has McCain voted to take funding from NASA to fund other priorities, but his "fantasy" plan to pay for making the Bush's tax cuts permanent by freezing discretionary funding and vetoing every bill with earmarks would cost the Mars mission millions.

Here are the facts on John McCain's record on NASA funding:"

Obama Reverses Campaign Stance on Constellation Cuts

Editor's note: During a campaign appearance in Titusville, FL on Saturday, Democratic candidate Sen. Obama commented on NASA. As part of a response to a question on oceanic research, he brought up the topic of NASA. He said "I know it's still being reported that we were talking about delaying some aspects of the Constellation program to pay for our early education program. I told my staff we're going to find an entirely different offset, because we've got to make sure that the money that's going into NASA for basic research and development continues to go there. That has been a top priority for us."

"This is an administration that is anti-science. They have rejected science - I want us to be a science-based society."

Editor's note: If you look at this original version of "Barack Obama's Plan For Lifetime Success Through Education" as first posted officialy some months ago, Section IX says "The early education plan will be paid for by delaying the NASA Constellation Program for five years". Yet, if you read the current version, that sentence about NASA is now gone. So this was more than just an issue of something "being reported". It was on Obama's own website, in one of his official position papers. This certainly strikes me as a policy reversal - albeit a positive one.

Obama says he will protect NASA jobs, budget, Orlando Sentinel

"That position had been "reported" on Obama's official campaign Web site until it was removed Saturday. The campaign of Republican rival John McCain was quick to point that out, declaring in a news release, "Barack Obama once again demonstrated that his words really don't matter."

Editor's update: According to the official Obama Blog:

"Barack was in Titusville, Florida this morning for a "Working for Change" town hall. Along with the economy, Barack talked about the need to focus on space exploration and the effect it has on Florida residents. He said..."

"And we have to do more than provide short-term relief. We have to secure our long-term prosperity and strengthen America's competitiveness in the 21st century. One of the areas where we are in danger of losing our competitive edge is our space program. When I was growing up, NASA inspired the world with achievements we are still proud of. Today, we have an administration that has set ambitious goals for NASA without giving NASA the support it needs to reach them. As a result, they've had to cut back on research, and trim their programs, which means that after the Space Shuttle shuts down in 2010, we're going to have to rely on Russian spacecraft to keep us in orbit.

More broadly, we need a real vision for space exploration. To help formulate this vision, I'll reestablish the National Aeronautics and Space Council so that we can develop a plan to explore the solar system - a plan that involves both human and robotic missions, and enlists both international partners and the private sector. And as America leads the world to long-term exploration of the moon, Mars, and beyond, let's also tap NASA's ingenuity to build the airplanes of tomorrow and to study our own planet so we can combat global climate change. Under my watch, NASA will inspire the world, make America stronger, and help grow the economy here in Florida."

The Candidates on NASA and Space Exploration

NASA's 50th Anniversary: Statement from Sen. Obama

"In recent years, Washington has failed to give NASA a robust, balanced and adequately funded mission. Though the good people of NASA who work day in and day out on new frontiers are doing amazing things, Americans are no longer inspired as they once were. That's a failure of leadership. "I believe we need to revitalize NASA's mission to maintain America's leadership, and recommit our nation to the space program, and as President I intend to do just that. We must revive the American ingenuity that led millions of children look to NASA astronauts and scientists as role models and enter the fields of math, engineering and science. Our leadership in the world depends on it."

Statement by John McCain on the 50th Anniversary of NASA

"While my opponent seems content to retreat from American exploration of space for a decade, I am not. As President, I will act to ensure our astronauts will continue to explore space, and not just by hitching a ride with someone else. I intend to make sure that the NASA Constellation program ha s the resources it needs so that we can begin a new era of human space exploration. A country that sent a man to the moon should expect no less."

Obama on Space (Update)

Candidates Differ on Breadth of Education Plans, NPR

"Obama has said that his education proposals would cost about $18 billion and would be funded by trimming NASA's budget and auctioning surplus federal properties, among other measures. But most of the Illinois senator's education proposals are so costly that they would require Congress to approve additional new spending. He says he wants to make "a historic commitment" to education, because he wants to give every American child the same chances he had."

Looking at Mars - McCain is onboard for Bush's space mission; Obama may be more down to earth, opinion, LA Times

"Fiscal realities and NASA's commitment to keeping its $17-billion budget flat already seem to be putting a limit on Constellation, but Bush's, and now McCain's, vision nicely balances realism and ambition. Yet it's Obama who is sounding like the more realistic, market-oriented candidate. His campaign said recently that Obama hopes to enhance NASA's role "in confronting the challenges we face here on Earth, including global climate change" and "to reach out and include international partners and engage the private sector to increase NASA's reach and provide real public economic benefits for the nation."

Put Space In The Republican and Democratic Platforms

Editor's note: According to this Republican National Committee website "Welcome to the most grassroots-driven platform development effort in the history of American politics! The Republican Party is seeking your input as we develop the policies and principles upon which we should stand for the next four years. On this website, you can share your thoughts, participate in polls, and communicate directly with the policymakers who will be shaping the party's agenda. All comments and feedback will be reviewed and taken into full consideration as we prepare for our convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul."

So, sign up for an an account, login, and start telling them what you think about space. Let's see if the DNC offers a similar service - we'll certainly link to it if they do.

Editor's update: Looks like the Democratic National Committee has something very similar online: "Today the Democratic National Committee and Obama for America unveiled a bold new initiative to involve the American people in the development of the Democratic National Platform. This year, for the first time, voters will have the opportunity to take part in Platform Meetings in all 50 states to help shape the Democratic Platform."

Toward A Progressive Space Policy

Progressive NASA and Space Policy Under a New Administration

"NASA is in crisis--overburdened, under-funded and inefficient. Yet the progressive legacy of space, which dates back to JFK, is being quietly reborn: NASA can reinvent itself as a critical resource in climate change mitigation; the UN and some in the U.S. military are collaborating to prevent space weapons from becoming an arms race with China; and progressive "NewSpace" entrepreneurs are creating new domestic high-tech jobs. Before 2009, a new progressive space policy needs to be devised and advocated beyond the traditional space constituencies, to upgrade Bush's failing space exploration vision. Who better to initiate this work than the Netroots?"

Science Questions For The Candidates

Innovation 2008: 14 Questions the candidates for President should answer about Science & America's Future, Innovation 2008

"On behalf of the American science and innovation community (see who here), we have submitted these questions to the candidates for President and asked them to do two simple things: A) provide a written response, which we will publish here, and B) discuss these questions in a nationally televised forum. ...

11. Space. The study of earth from space can yield important information about climate change; focus on the cosmos can advance our understanding of the universe; and manned space travel can help us inspire new generations of youth to go into science. Can we afford all of them? How would you prioritize space in your administration?"

AvWeek on Election 2008

Aviation Week Explores McCain's and Obama's Aerospace and Aviation Plans

"In nine articles, AW&ST explores topics that need attention on Day 1, such as education, R&D, export controls and NASA funding, as well as looming pressures to trim defense, despite engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The issue examines the role that Florida will play in the election, and discusses the impact the candidates' position on the future of the space program will have on the economy of the state's "space coast."

Will The KSC Workforce Show Up - And Be Heard? Will It Matter?

Florida Link to Launch Rally to Include Addresses from Federal, State Officials

What: Link to Launch: Floridians will gather, link their hands and countdown from 30 seconds when they will lift them skyward in a gesture to show solidarity and awareness of the importance of the Space Program to America. The rally is scheduled to coincide with a Senate subcommittee hearing being held inside the Port Authority Offices. The Link to Launch movement was started by people in on Florida's Space Coast to raise the awareness of the nation and our policy makers that Space is a critical element in our nation's security, our culture and global economic competitiveness. A limited number of media seats on helicopters are available for aerial photography.

When: Monday, June 23

Skipping Over Bush on Space

NASA backers up ante, send message to next president, Orlando Sentinel

"President Bush "strongly opposes" the measure -- saying it costs too much -- but its backers said the bill isn't meant for him. It's intended to show presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama that NASA has support in Congress. "We're really on to the next administration at this point. That's 99 percent of our focus," said U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, one of the bill's sponsors. "By an overwhelming, enthusiastic and bipartisan majority, the U.S. House has endorsed an aggressive promotion of NASA in general and human spaceflight in particular."

McCain Speaks About Humans To Mars

McCain Wants a Man on Mars, Washington post

"Yes, I'd be willing to spend more taxpayers dollars,'' McCain said, adding he thought Americans respond to setting goals for specific projects. McCain said ever since reading Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles, "I'm intrigued by a man on Mars. I think it would excite the imagination of the American people . . . Americans would be very willing to do that.''

Video Of McCain's comments (scroll down a bit)

Cramer Pings Obama on Space

U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer still hasn't chosen Obama or Clinton, Birmingham News

"Cramer said Obama had positions about space exploration and how far along the space agency was in funding a return trip to the Moon and on to Mars. He said Obama made it clear that the exploration program was not just a signature of the Bush Administration, but one that many congressmen had wanted for years. "I wanted them to look at the issues more thoroughly ... I just got a commitment that they would," he said."

We Get The Space Program We (Don't) Ask For

Space exploration on the cheap: America misses its moment, The Hill

"... All achieved by the clear vision laid out by President Kennedy when he told the nation that our goal was to be on the moon by the end of the 1960s. By comparison, today's lack of political leadership when it comes to space exploration is embarrassing.

Don't get me wrong. This is not a Republican or a Democratic matter. And politicians are not the only ones to blame. We the people, who have not exactly demanded excellence from our government over the past few decades, share a big part of the blame as well. Maybe even most of the blame."

Space Politics at ISDC

The so-so space debate, Space Review

"Those interested in space policy this election year have suffered from conflicting feelings. On the one hand, there have been plenty of opportunities for the candidates to speak about space issues, more so than in a typical election cycle, due perhaps to the length or intensity of the campaign. From formal policy statements to questions posed at town hall meetings, all three of the major remaining candidates--Senators Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama--have had multiple opportunities to talk about how they would handle various space-related issues as president."

Space Politics at ISDC

The so-so space debate: initial impressions, Space politics

"Half of the four people on the panel were able to talk about space policy quite well: Lori Garver, representing Clinton, was well-versed in the issues, not surprising; O’Brien has also done his homework, based on the questions he asked on topics beyond NASA’s budget and the future of the vision, ranging from commercialization to military space policy to export control."

ISDC on CSPAN Today

"What will happen to the International Space Station while NASA transitions from the Space Shuttle, retiring in 2010, to the Orion spacecraft, launching in 2014? The National Space Society considers this question and others during its 27th annual conference today in Washington, D.C."

WATCH

Editor's note: Live C-SPAN coverage resumes at 2:00 pm EDT today with a discussion on space and the 2008 Election.

Excerpt of Sen. Obama's representative's (Steve Robinson) comments on space policy:

Sen. Obama views space policy within a larger framework of science in general. Sen. Obama is a friend of science and engineering. We need more input from scientists and engineers in decisions that affect research in these areas. General principles:

4. Need to be linking human and robotic exploration of space more clearly to challenges that face our planet such as climate change and to provide unadulterated scientific advice to the government.

Steve Robinson suggested that there are other things that are done by robots in space that can be inspiring and that humans do not necessarily need to be there (although e personally find that inspiring). Moderator Miles O'Brien suggested that there are "no high schools named after robots". Robinson replied "some of those high schools are building robots". He elaborated that it might be more inspiring for his students (he's a teacher) to create ways to interact with rovers on Mars. "We should not limit our inspiration to what inspires us. I am not inspired by Second Life but others are."

Progressive Space

Announcing the Space Policy Panel at Netroots Nation / Yearly Kos, Andrew Hoppin

"I'm very pleased to announce that for the first time, The Netroots Nation (Yearly Kos) Convention will feature a panel on space policy, July 18th or 19th in Austin, Texas. The panel, entitled, "Progressive NASA & Space Policy Under a New Administration," is an opportunity to bring critical space policy issues to light within a potent progressive political constituency- the Netroots- that hasn't historically paid much attention to space. It is also an opportunity for the Netroots to weigh in on what a new progressive space policy agenda could be under a progressive Administration in 2009."

Election 2008: Obama Talks (A Little) About NASA

Spaced Out: Obama says NASA needs a mission, Orlando Sentinel

"Now I know we're transitioning from the shuttle to the Orion program and I am fully committed to making sure that is funded. But I want to review with NASA what are we doing in terms of manned flights to the moon or to Mars vs. are we better off using things like Hubble that yields us more information and better bang for the buck.

The bottom line is I am absolute committed to making sure we have a space program that is second to none in the world. That's my absolute commitment. But I want to sit down with NASA and figure out what's our focus and make sure that that focus is clear and yielding the kind of benefits over time. I want us to understand what it is we're trying to accomplish."

Education Position paper, Obama for President (NASA excerpt toward the bottom)

"IX. A COMMITMENT TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY Barack Obama's early education and K-12 plan package costs about $18 billion per year. He will maintain fiscal responsibility and prevent any increase in the deficit by offsetting cuts and revenue sources in other parts of the government. The early education plan will be paid for by delaying the NASA Constellation Program for five years, using purchase cards and the negotiating power of the government to reduce costs of standardized procurement, auctioning surplus federal property, and reducing the erroneous payments identified by the Government Accountability Office, and closing the CEO pay deductibility loophole. The rest of the plan will be funded using a small portion of the savings associated with fighting the war in Iraq."

Space and Election 2008

Candidates' space ideas lack launch pad, NPR Marketplace

"One thing the presidential candidates haven't been talking about is a space policy. Jeremy Hobson takes a look at whether the candidates have any plans for the final frontier."

Nelson Urges Voters To Push Space Issue

Sen. Bill Nelson: White House race holds key to future of space program, Orlando Sentinel

"Nelson said that Floridians need to press their case on the presidential candidates, Republican John McCain and Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Clinton was the first candidate to outline support for "robust human spaceflight" and is seen as NASA's biggest booster of the three. But there are questions on how committed she is to the Bush administration's plans for exploration to the moon and then Mars."

Today's Video: CNN on Space and the Candidates

Candidates and the space race (Video), CNN

"What do the candidates say? John McCain speaks favorably for continuing the current course for space exploration, but he also wants to control spending, and that could further disrupt funding. Hillary Clinton has ambitious plans including quote: "Robust human space flight." Her emphasis appears to be on astronauts looking back, studying our own planet to combat global warming. And Barack Obama has suggested that while work in space is important and should continue, it's no longer inspirational, and NASA needs to reconsider its goals. Unlike President John Kennedy who launched the moon missions, not one of them is saying much about returning to the moon, and they rarely mention Mars."

Clinton Seeks to Save Arecibo

Clinton turns attention to observatory in Puerto Rico, Orlando Sentinel

"In a release issued by her Senate office, Clinton highlighted that Cornell University is a New York institution. She stressed the "historic relationship" between that state and Puerto Rico. "Cornell University scientists have used the remarkable tools available at Arecibo Observatory to greatly expand our understanding of the universe," Clinton said in the release. "I am proud to support the path-blazing accomplishments of these New Yorkers."

Clinton Introduces Legislation to Support Cornell's Innovative Observatory in Puerto Rico

IFPTE Endorses Obama

IFPTE Endorses Senator Barack Obama for President

"The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers' (IFPTE), an AFL-CIO affiliated labor union whose public, private and federal sector membership includes engineers, scientists and technicians at the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Energy (DOE), NASA and Boeing, has given their backing to Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. The IFPTE Executive Council voted without opposition late yesterday to endorse the Illinois Senator."

Obama's response: " ... I'll fight for organized labor by protecting the right to organize. I'll support vigorous reinvestment in our federal research and development agencies, including NASA, to maintain America's leadership in Science and Technology and to foster economic competitiveness."

NASA Under Obama?

Obama's Plan for NASA, American Thinker

"As the legend goes, when the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez landed in what is now Mexico in 1519, he ordered the boats that brought him and his men there to be burned.  Obama seems to have something similar planned for NASA."

Who's Worse For NASA: Democrats or Republicans?

Editor's note: According to page 8 of the April 2008 Aviation Week ShowNews Briefing, AIA Space Systems VP J.P. Stevens says "It will be a battle if there is a Democratic administration".

Let's look at this a little more closely. Yes, Sen. Obama (D-IL) has indeed talked of drastic and unwarranted cuts to Project Constellation - and has said rather negative things about human spaceflight. But that's about the only specificity we've heard from him. By stark contrast, Sen. Clinton (D-NY) seems to be outright supportive of NASA.

Yet it is Sen. McCain (R-AZ) who has proposed a freeze on discretionary spending (which includes NASA's budget) which would amount to a cut (or non-growth) at a time when a number of NASA projects are depending upon budget increases.

And this would be set against a backdrop whereby the Bush Administration won't lift a finger to prepare a budget for FY 2010 - leaving the incoming Administration to scramble to cobble one together between November 2008 and January 2009. This comes after the Bush administration walked away from the earlier financial commitments it had made for the implementation of the VSE.

If anything, in 2008, with the politics in play - and the history of the past few years before us, the Republicans seem more intent upon depriving NASA of needed budget funds - and have a proven track record of doing so.

Then again, only time will tell what will actually happen.

Why Are The Candidates Afraid To Talk About Science?

We Need a Science White House, opinion, Wall Street Journal

"Tomorrow Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain should have been going toe-to-toe in a televised science debate. All three were invited by a bipartisan group of Nobel laureates and other scholars called ScienceDebate 2008 to step on stage at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and explain how they will ensure that America continues to dominate the sciences. Leading in scientific research and advancement is an essential element to our future prosperity, health and national defense. All three candidates declined. Apparently the top contenders for our nation's highest elective office have better things to do than explain to the public their views on securing America's future."

Election 2008: Freezing NASA

McCain unveils his economic plan

"The plan is centered around a one-year freeze in discretionary spending -- with the exception of military and veterans programs -- to allow for a "top-to-bottom review of the effectiveness of federal programs." "'Discretionary spending' is a term people throw around a lot in Washington, while actual discretion is seldom exercised," McCain said. "Instead, every program comes with a built-in assumption that it should go on forever, and its budget increase forever. My administration will change that way of thinking."

Editor's note: In other words McCain would apparently limit NASA's budget for FY 2010 to what it is going to end up being for FY 2009 - based on (I would guess) whatever budget level contained in any budget (or CR) enacted this Fall. That's not going to be good for Ares, Orion, or many other things ...

Run Nick Run

Texan's campaign champions NASA, gives slim hope for Kennedy Space Center job, Orlando Sentinel

"A Texas congressman trying to keep his job could be the best hope for Kennedy Space Center workers trying to keep theirs. But it's a slim hope at best. Meet U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, a Democrat defending a Houston-area seat once held by former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay. Like DeLay, Lampson is an avid NASA supporter with strong ties to nearby Johnson Space Center."

Obama On Space Exploration (update)

Presidential race a civics lesson for students

"Tyler Monroe, a senior at MCHS, hopes the next president will support the endeavors of NASA. "I think it's really important that we further the exploration in space," he said. "Space is the next frontier."

Transcript of questions and answers with Sen. Barack Obama, The Republic.com

"Q: What do you plan to do with the space agency? Like right now they're currently underfunded, they, at first they didn't know if they were going to be able to operate Spirit rover. What do plan to do with it?

Obama: I think that, I, uh. I grew up with the space program. Most of you young people here were born during the shuttle era. I was the Apollo era. I remember, you know, watching, you know, the moon landing. I was living in Hawaii when I was growing up, so the astronauts would actually, you know, land in the Pacific and then get brought into Honolulu and it was incredible memories and incredibly inspiring. And by the way inspired a whole generation of people to get engaged in math and science in a way that we haven't - that we need to renew. So I'm a big supporter of the space program. I think it needs to be redefined, though.

And that's a major debate I'm going to want to convene when I'm president of the United States. What direction do we take the space program in? Once we have a sense of what's going to be most valuable for us in terms of gaining knowledge, then I think we'll able to adjust the budget so that we're going all out on what it is that we've decided to do."

Elections and Budgets

Election year delay for NASA's Ares and Orion vehicles feared, Flight Global

"The USA's presidential election could leave NASA short of the funding it needs to keep its Orion crew exploration vehicle and Ares I booster project on track for their planned maiden flight in March 2015."

Editor's note: This really has nothing directly to do with the election this year. Continuing resolutions happen in non-election years as well as election years - just last year as a matter of fact. Congress has also passed budgets in election years as well.

VSE: No Bucks - No Buck Rogers

National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Overview, FY2009 Budget, and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service 26 Feb 2008 via OpenCRS

"NASA stresses that its strategy is to "go as we can afford to pay," with the pace of the program set, in part, by the available funding. In 2004, the President proposed adding a total of $1 billion to NASA's budget for FY2005 through FY2009 to help pay for the Vision, but subsequent Administration budgets more than eliminated this proposed increase, and actual appropriations by Congress have been even less. Most funding for the Vision is thus being redirected from other NASA activities. To free up funding for Orion and Ares I, the space shuttle program will be terminated in 2010, and U.S. use of the ISS will end by 2017. NASA has not provided a cost estimate for the Vision as a whole. Its 2005 implementation plan estimates that returning astronauts to the Moon will cost $104 billion, not including the cost of robotic precursor missions, and that using Orion to service the ISS will cost an additional $20 billion. A report by the Government Accountability Office gives a total cost for the Vision of $230 billion over two decades."

Taking Obama To Task On Space

No place for partisans on NASA, space exploration, editorial, Houston Chronicle

"Because of the 2008 presidential election, our nation's human spaceflight program is at a perilous crossroad. While Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain all have made allusions to supporting the program, none has made it a priority. In fact, in late 2007 Obama went on record as saying he planned to pay for his $18 billion education plan by taking it out of the hide of NASA. In defending his desire to delay the Orion and Ares programs (the next generation crew spacecraft and rockets), he stressed, "We're not going to have the engineers and scientists to continue space exploration if we don't have kids who are able to read, write and compute."

Election 2008 Update 10 March 2008: This Does Not Sound Hopeful

Obama a little confused about today's state, The Swamp (Baltimore Sun)

"During the question-and-answer portion of an event at a recreational center here, Obama was asked about the nation's space program. "I grew up on Star Trek," Obama said. "I believe in the final frontier." But Obama said he does not agree with the way the space program is now being run and thinks funding should be trimmed until the mission is clearer. "NASA has lost focus and is no longer associated with inspiration," he said. "I don't think our kids are watching the space shuttle launches. It used to be a remarkable thing. It doesn't even pass for news anymore."

Do you have a comment? (please limit them to space policy and/or Obama's comments about space) Send them to nasawatch@spaceref.com. Your comments thus far:

Great job on the election coverage. It is good to see you trying to make this is an issue. Hopefully there will be a Florida revote. That could bring NASA front and center.

Mitt and Ann Hold Hands at Pad 39A

NASA FOIA Images: Mitt Romney Tours SSPF-Pad 39A at KSC on 21 January 2008

NASA caption: "Images taken of the Mitt Romney tour at KSC are not, in any way, intended to reflect the endorsement of any candidate by NASA. These images were taken during a tour that is typically provided to other VIP's. NASA has not authorized the use of these images for campaign purposes and has obtained a commitment from the Romney campaign NOT to use these images for campaign purposes. These images are being released in response to FOIA requests."

Editor's note: Click to enlarge image. Isn't it a little odd that most people who are seen in this location are required to wear bunny suits and caps - and yet politicians and their spouses are not? [see comments below as KSC folks correct my assumptions regarding bunny suits - but not about the special access granted to Romney]. Let's see how NASA answers my FOIA request as to what constitutes a "VIP" and what the process is for evaluating and approving (or denying) requests for these personal tours and photo ops - conducted at taxpayer expense.

Kerry Blows Opportunity at KSC, 2004 post

Comments? Send them to nasawatch@spaceref.com. Your comments thus far:

They're not that unusual. When I visited, the people working inside the orbiter were in "bunny suits", but so long as you stayed outside, it wasn't a requirement. This was a few years ago, but I don't think the rules have changed much. This wasn't a formal NASA tour, so no PAO cameras or minders, but we were informed what the rules were.

Election 2008 Update 3 March 2008

NASA's popularity rises as vote nears, Houston Chronicle

"In the countdown to Tuesday's Texas primary, the candidates still in the race are positioning themselves as astronauts' best friends -- but what they would actually do for manned space travel once elected remains up in the air. Under President Bush's current plan, the space shuttle will be retired in 2010. And with every candidate coming to Texas and professing devotion to NASA, space-watchers are trying to determine what the candidates actually will do when faced with a reeling economy and a record federal debt."

Candidates' Views Differ on Space Exploration, NPR

"Advocates of NASA's plan to return to the moon are concerned that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has said he will raid NASA's budget to fund education. While the issue of space exploration hasn't gotten much attention this campaign season, it is a topic on which the candidates do differ."

Clinton Pledges to Double NASA R&D Budget

Hillary Clinton’s Statement in Support of U.S. Aerospace and Aviation

"Hillary will double NASA's and FAA's aeronautics R&D budgets as part of her plan to reverse the Bush administration's war on science. She will pursue a balanced strategy of robust human spaceflight, expanded robotic spaceflight, and enhanced space and Earth science activities. She will speed development, testing, and deployment of next-generation launch and crew exploration vehicles to replace the aging Space Shuttle program."

Election 2008 Update 1 March 2008

Space Policy Under an Obama Administration, SpaceDemocrats

"Many space constituents are publicly critical of the Obama campaign for campaign rhetoric that is less overtly supportive of the status quo of the US space program than that of the Clinton or McCain campaigns. However, to this constituent of space, Obama's ambivalence makes him THE MOST ATTRACTIVE Presidential candidate in this campaign. Why?"

Election 2008 Update 29 February 2008

Barack Obama: One-on-one with WKYC's Tom Beres, WKYC.com (half way through video)

Obama: "I've got a strong belief in NASA and the process of space exploration. I do think that our program has been stuck for a while - that the space shuttle mission did not inspire the imagination of the public - that much of the experimentation that was done could have been conducted not necessarily with manned flights. I think that broadening our horizons - and looking at a combination of both unmanned satellites of the sort that we saw with the Jupiter launch - but also looking at where we can start planning for potential manned flights. I think that is something that I'm excited about and could be part of a broader strategy for science and technology investment ... The only thing I want to say is that I want to do a thorough review because some of these programs may not be moving in the right direction and I want to make sure that NASA spending is a little more coherent than it has been over the last several years.

Election 2008 Update 28 February 2008

Former President Clinton stumps for Hillary in Houston, Houston Chronicle

"Clinton pointed out that Hillary Clinton places more of an emphasis than Obama on human space travel. "This is the center of American space travel," he said of Houston and the Johnson Space Center. "Sixteen thousand (local) jobs -- and a lot of America's future -- rely on this."

Bill Clinton Says Hillary Will Change Lives If Elected President, Fox 26

"He also emphasized her commitment to manned spaceflight. About 100,000 people in the Houston area work for NASA's Johnson Space Center or related industries."

Bill: Hillary Hearts Outer Space, National Journal Hotline

em>"Hillary has always supported the manned space program just as I did when I was president," he told a crowd of over 250 who gathered in a picturesque neighborhood park in a Houston suburb today. "Her opponent says we should downgrade man space travel and upgrade robotic travel."

Election 2008 Update 24 February 2008

Clinton, Obama Surrogates Debate Science Policy, CQ Politics

"It wasn't in primetime. In fact, it wasn't broadcast at all. The audience wasn't hand-picked to equally represent the candidates. But a weekend debate at the American Association for the Advancement of Science between science advisors to the Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama campaigns was strikingly similar to forums between the candidates."

Scientists urged to plan for the next US president, Nature (subscription)

"Alec Ross, a technology entrepreneur and adviser to Obama, focused on his candidate's plans to expand broadband and technology infrastructure to all Americans. He also hinted that within weeks Obama would unveil a new plan for NASA and space exploration."

Hillary Clinton campaigns in Houston, AP

"Clinton took the stage at about 9:40 p.m. and spoke for about 30 minutes. She touched on usual campaign themes, including affordable health care for all Americans and bringing home the troops from Iraq. She also hit on a local note, pledging to keep funding NASA. "I believe we need to keep funding our next generation of spacecraft," she said."

Clinton, Obama address Houston hot topics, Houston Chronicle

"Obama agreed that NASA, which employs thousands of Houston-area voters who work at or with the Johnson Space Center, should be a tool for inspiring the nation. But, he said, the next president needs to have "a practical sense of what investments deliver the most scientific and technological spinoffs -- and not just assume that human space exploration, actually sending bodies into space, is always the best investment."

Election 2008 Update

Clinton, Obama address Houston hot topics, Houston Chronicle

"I intend to pursue an ambitious agenda in both space exploration and earth sciences," Clinton said. "I want to support the next generation of spacecraft for a robust human spaceflight program." Obama agreed that NASA, which employs thousands of Houston-area voters who work at or with the Johnson Space Center, should be a tool for inspiring the nation. But, he said, the next president needs to have "a practical sense of what investments deliver the most scientific and technological spinoffs -- and not just assume that human space exploration, actually sending bodies into space, is always the best investment."

Former Astronaut Endorses Clinton

John Glenn Endorses Clinton, AP

"In 1962, Glenn, a Marine pilot, was the first American to orbit the Earth, becoming an instant national hero. In 1998, shortly before retiring from Senate after 24 years, he became the world's oldest astronaut, returning to space aboard the Shuttle Discovery at age 77. Glenn briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984. "I am deeply honored to have the support of Senator Glenn, a true American hero," Clinton said. "With his help, we'll bring our message of change across Ohio."

Election 2008 Update

I Told Hillary to "Send Astronauts to Mars", Political Action for Space

"Last night, Michael Laine and I went to see Hillary campaign along the Seattle waterfront in a cruise line terminal. I squeezed underneath some bleachers to get to the VIP area and wiggled my way right up next to the disabled people and seniors. Then, when she was in the middle of her speech, I shouted: "Send Astronauts to Mars!" using a Hillary sign as a megaphone. She faltered, and continued talking about technology and innovation."

Debate Questions: Worth the Effort?

Editor's note: Well, there were no space questions asked in the Republican debate. But you can still vote for questions to be asked of the Democratic candidates on Thursday evening here. As it happened, no space-related questions were offered for final vote to be asked of Sen. Clinton. However, two space-related questions were among the finalists offered for voting for Sen. Obama.

Editor's update: Well, there were no space questions asked in the Democratic debate either. Was it worth your collective effort? Two space questions did make it to the top of the heap such that people could vote on them tonight. That is certainly a first - and there was the preponderance of space questions that managed to hold onto top positions for weeks on Politico.com - also unprecedented.

But to me, the most important thing was a demonstration - by all of those people who submitted and voted for space-related questions - that space exploration advocates could exert this common surge of effort and help raise the issue of space exploration in a way that has not been seen in the past. Neither party has picked a nominee. And there is still a general election after they do. The opportunities to exert similar - and perhaps greater influence will continue.

You did it once, you can do it again.

What's The Point?, Political Action For Space

"I'm proud of what has happened, and I feel encouraged that sustaining our efforts throughout this election and beyond will bear greater fruits. I pledge to you all that I will continue my efforts running actionforspace.com to make it easier for you to have an impact on the future of the space exploration. I look forward to the continued help and participation for you all. Thanks for your incredible response for the debates in Los Angeles."

Comments? Send them to nasawatch@reston.com. Your comments so far:

Keith, imagine what would have happened if one of the space questions, esp. one of the bolder ones, had made it into either debate: The discussion would most certainly have turned quickly to the cost and relative(!) benefits of - crewed - spaceflight vs. other more pressing needs. Does anyone really believe that any of the remaining candidates would have said something like "hey, I'll get the U.S. out of the Iraq mess quickly and then we can spend all the billions saved on a Mars colony"? The effort to convince politics that going to Mars ASAP or the VSE or ALT.VSE or some other crewed space activity is really worth it has to start at a much more fundamental level IMHO: You've got to convince the broad public first and start with its more space-friendly faction. Even there a lot of work lies ahead, as the debate on crewed vs. robotic or rather the best proportion of the two is far from settled even in the space advocacy groups.

Regarding the rants against Politico and CNN here and elsewhere: I guess they very well understood that there was a massive campaign from space groups going on (after all even the 'real media' like Space News reported about it!) and thus decided that the huge amount of space votes did not reflect the priorities of their audience in general. Has anyone seen a poll on voters' priorities where the answers could be chosen freely and where space ended up near the top or in the list at all?

Daniel Fischer (U.S. campaign news junkie & space afficionado from Germany)

Keith,

I can't see any comment from Politico on how they selected questions, and why none of the top space questions were asked. Is there any explanation from these people? How can they seriously entertain the idea of generating the question list by user votes, when they neither follow through or even comment on user input after the fact. At least they should say 'thanks for all your time, effort, and interest on our site, but we thought up some better questions at the last minute'.

Also, what evidence is there that anyone, let alone the campaign organizations, are aware of the level of interest in space related questions. I never saw any statistics regarding how many votes there were for any of the questions, or any comments attempting to head off the notion that a few space geeks flooded the site early. I assume that there were many, many votes for space q's, and that the process was 'fair' (1 vote per IP address), but I don't see any comment by Politico attesting to this, so how do I know that the candidates haven't blown off the stories in Wired and elswhere that there was such a surge in interest? Have any of the candidates made any comments about the number of space question submissions and votes, or is this more space obscurity?

For that matter, do you know if any of them read your web site? Am I actually on a different planet than they are?

"Maybe the Republicans are right about the media." What, that the news media is biased and they have their own agendas? Of course they are and they do! It is impossible to report ANYTHING without the message getting infused with the messenger's attitudes and outlook, however fair and balanced they truly think themselves to be.

Such is the nature of communication. What is so refreshing about folks like Keith Cowing, and so damnably irritating about the mainstream reporters and their supporting organizations, is that Keith almost always owns up to where he's coming from, while the others continue to insist with straight faces that they are unbiased and aloof and are merely presenting "the facts." Let us not forget what William Randolf Hearst (often considered one of the fathers of yellow journalism*) said more than a century ago regarding the Spanish-American War: "You provide the pictures and I'll provide the war." 

*a redundant term if I've ever heard one...

As disappointed as I have been through the years with so many politicians and ineffective leaders in all disciplines (including spaceflight), I reserve my strongest contempt for the "news" media and what they've been pulling over on the American people for decades. The only problem, just like democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others, is that a free society needs a free press (biased as it inevitably is) to remain free. Luckily, the new media avenues (including this one) are exerting a detectable, positive influence on the mainstream ones, and that is a good thing.

As for the debate questions: I concur that the effort was not a waste. Getting ANY exposure helps make in-roads into the American public's consciousness, which is the first necessary step to having them value space programs and in turn create a demand for more investment in space. And as Keith pointed out: it ain't over yet.

Hi Keith,

I too was rather taken aback given the fact that space policy questions were not asked during either of the presidential debates. I however would say that all of the time I fired off questions and voted however WAS worth it.

At least all of the candidates know that space program supporters are out there and not just working for space or defense contractors. They also know that the direction the country takes our space program is important. Above all they ALL know that we vote, we're watching, we're vocal, and we're not going away. I will be writing all of the candidates using the links on actionforspace.com on how I feel on this issue.

Thanks again for posting the link to ask debate questions on your site.

Keith: Despite the fact that no space-related questions were asked, I think it is likely that the candidates' teams studied the list of highly ranked potential questions and prepared answers for them. These prepared answers would have had to be thought-out and vetted within the campaigns such that they would become policy positions. So, assuming the answers were pro-space, the effort was worthwhile.

How do we start a campaign now against CNN and Politico.com. They deceived the people. 20 of the top 25 most popular questions on the Democrat side were about the Space Program and NASA, and they ignored us. Maybe Republicans are right about the media. I'm personally disgusted. Thanks for pointing us all in the direction of the site, even if they did ignore us.

Election 2008 Update

Getting Up to Speed on Space, Science (subscription)

"Blogs such as Space Politics and NASA Watch, and organizations such as the Mars Society, keep a close eye on every utterance by a candidate on space policy. They instruct their audience how to contact the campaigns and even coach readers on how to get a space question inserted into a presidential debate. And they are being heard. "It's a small but vocal group, and they've reached out from the beginning," says the Obama staffer. "I'm impressed with the grassroots effort," adds Lori Garver, a Washington, D.C., space consultant and former NASA official who advises Obama's chief rival, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY). "They've done more than all the sophisticated lobbyists."

Coalition for Space Exploration Drops The Ball

Editor's note: I got this email today:

"Dear Space Advocate, This week, the presidential candidates will be at the podium again discussing the significant topics of our nation, and YOU have a chance to ask about what's important. As a supporter of space, this is your opportunity to get questions about Space Exploration at the forefront of the debate. Please check out the following link: http://capwiz.com/spaceadvocate/utr/1/OSTZIARNGS/ATHLIARRAS/1699563546, and vote for your favorite question, or submit one of your own. Questions about candidates' views on Space Exploration have been in the top 10 for over a week. Let's keep these on the radar. Be sure to check out the "most popular" area in both the Democratic and Republican section to see the specific question and submit your vote. SpaceAdvocate.com is current undergoing maintenance at this time. However, you CAN make a difference by making your voice heard this week. Cast your vote or submit a question.... TODAY!

Sincerely, SpaceAdvocate.com and the Coalition for Space Exploration"

There is one small problem with this. If you go to SpaceAdvocate.com you will see that it is obviously no longer being operated by the Coalition for Space Exploration. Rather, a check of domain records shows that it is owned by some guy in Ankara, Turkey. I'm not certain how the Coalition folks could call this goof-up "maintenance" when they apparently have lost control of one of their prime websites.

Election 2008 Update

Young Engineer Leads Effort To Make Space a Topic of Presidential Debate, Space.com

"[John] Benac's call-to-arms read in part: "[W]e have a tremendous opportunity to put Mars on the political map for the presidential candidates. I have submitted a question for the Republican and Democratic debates that are happening in Los Angeles on January 30th. The way that this debate works is that people submit and vote for the questions that they like online, and the candidates are asked the ones with the most votes. Please tell everyone you think would act on this." Benac's plea to "put Mars on the political map" was quickly picked up and reposted by the Mars Society and the Web site NASAWatch.com, driving more traffic to the CNN/Politico.com Web site, resulting in the posting of new questions and votes for favorites."

NASA Watch on TV

Editor's note: I did an interview earlier today with CNN about the reentering NRO satellite that aired on CNN Moneyline this evening. I am taping an interview with Fox News tomorrow about space and the 2008 election.

O'Keefe Endorses McCain

Former NASA Chief Sean O'Keefe Endorses John McCain for President

"John McCain has been my friend for over 25 years -- and over that span of time in the varied leadership roles I have held, I have witnessed John's passion for doing the right thing on behalf of and as a friend to all Americans. I am proud to support him for president," said Chancellor O'Keefe. "John McCain personifies the depth of character and integrity we need in our next president. His candor, service and sacrifice, and leadership experience in every crucial debate over the last 20 years will serve to inspire the next generation of leaders to serve causes greater than their own self interest."

Stand and Be Counted: Only A Few Days Left!

Editor's note: Don't forget about the 30/31 January Democratic/Republican debates. They are now just days away. These are the last major televised debates before Super Tuesday. You still need to go to this link at Politico.com to submit/vote on space questions.

The frequency of space questions has dropped off and space questions are starting to slip in rankings. I have no idea when they will shut this off. Waste no time: add new questions, go to "most popular" for each party and make sure you have voted for the topic questions. Get your friends and family members to vote. And, if you are so inclined, you might want to vote at work, at home, at Starbucks, from your cellphone ... tell your spouse and kids to vote ... we need to use the same tricks that other "interests" use i.e. vote early - and often - and do so strategically.

You need to keep at this folks. Other "interests" have discovered this web page and are having an effect. This is a chance to make certain that the topic - and the veracity of its supporters - is known. These last few days are crucial. You have done a stellar job thus far - we can't let this opportunity slip as we head toward the home stretch.

As of 12:29 AM EST we are # 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25 on the Democratic side - yet we are only #5, 8, 13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 23 on the Republican side.

WE ONCE WERE #1 ON BOTH SIDES.
WE NEED TO DO THAT AGAIN.
WE NEED TO TAKE OVER THE DISCUSSION.

THE TIME IS NOW
BE HEARD.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Otherwise, just sit down and shut up. You had your chance.

McCain Space Policy Statement

John McCain On the Issues: America's Space Program

"John McCain believes curiosity and a drive to explore have always been quintessential American traits. This has been most evident in the space program, for which he will continue his strong support."

Sen. McCain's comments on S. 2541 NASA Reauthorization Act

"Curiosity and a drive to explore have always been quintessential American traits. This has been most evident in the space program, which continues to show great advances in human knowledge. However, we are fully aware of the inherent risks and costs of space exploration, and the need to mitigate them wherever possible. Based on this knowledge, let us now embark upon this great journey into the stars to find whatever may await us."

Election 2008 Update

Candidates make room for space, Huntsville Times

"A month ago, I wouldn't have thought this the case, but (space exploration) is sort of in the candidates' face right now," said Keith Cowing, a former NASA astrobiologist who runs the Web site NASAwatch.com. "It seems as if something is happening (with space) and that hasn't been the case in years."Much of the political discussion centers on space exploration as a technology and education issue, Cowing said. "If you read some of the position papers carefully, then you see space and exploration as topics that are also linked to other aspects of technology development, balance of trade and education," Cowing said."

Editor's note: Check out the front page of today's (27 Jan) Sunday Huntsville Times. Also, the last line in this story, although attributed to me, was not something that I said. This error is being fixed by the Times.

Election 2008: Planetary Society Alert

Action Update: Submit Space Questions to the U.S. Presidential Debates, Planetary Society

"The U.S. Presidential primaries season is now in full swing, and debates among the candidates are taking place regularly before millions of viewers. It is a unique opportunity to push space topics onto the national political agenda. And you can help. Here's how: The sponsors of the debates are inviting the public to submit questions to the candidates online http://dyn.politico.com/debate/."

Election 2008 Update

Guiliani's Gamble, Hartford Courant

"He told them a Giuliani presidency will return America to the dominance it has lost in space. "The U.S. will be the first nation that puts somebody on Mars," he said. "We're not a limited people. We're not a people who think small," he told them. "We're here because we came from people who had grand visions."

Republicans, Lost in Space, NY Times

"Campaigning in his make-or-break state of Florida last week, Mr. Giuliani released a statement promising to "make space a priority." Apparently, America is facing a crisis far greater than health care or education reform: when the current fleet of space shuttles is retired in 2010, it's going to take as much as five years--five years, people!--before we can send another guy into orbit."

Election 2008 Update

Tell McCain and Romney in Your Own Voice, ActionForSpace

"Tomorrow, January 24, all space supporters in Florida: at 6:45 p.m, Governor Romney attends a pre-debate rally at Bogart's Bar & Grille: Muvico Palace 20, 3200 Airport Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431 Go get yourself a burger, sidle up to good 'ole Mitt, and tell him why he needs to give NASA a couple billion more dollars. Tell him what effect if will have on your vote. He seems like a nice enough guy to talk to."

Election 2008 Update

Space becomes primary frontier as candidates court voters in Fla., ATlanta Journal Constitution

"For the first time in decades, space policy is emerging as a presidential campaign issue and, political strategists say, could become a decisive factor in the race to the White House. In the run-up to Florida's Jan. 29 primary, candidates have begun to talk about their views on the future of human space exploration. On Friday, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani stopped at Kennedy Space Center to pledge he would give NASA the money it needs to return Americans to the moon and go to Mars. On Monday, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney followed suit."

Time to put the Heat Onto Barack, Political Action For Space

"Barack Obama is opening up a campign office in Huntsville in a few hours! Go there and tell him (or his campaign people) that his space policy needs to be revised!"

Stand and Be Counted: Space and Election 2008 - Update

Wolf Blitzer: What would you ask the Democrats in South Carolina?, CNN Politics.com

"I am going to be hosting a Democratic presidential debate on Monday, January 21, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina"

Editor's 20 Jan note: Wolf Blitzer just (11:44 am EST) read a space-oriented question on the air at CNN selected from those that have been submitted to this web page. Lets see if you can give him some more!

And don't forget about the 30/31 January Democratic/Republican debates. Go to this link at Politico.com to submit/vote on space questions. The frequency of space questions has dropped off and space questions are starting to slip in rankings.

You need to keep at this folks.

Editor's 20 Jan note: Rudy Giuliani was on CNN (12:23 pm EST) with Wolf Blitzer and made a fleeting mention of "having access to our space shuttle" as he talked about being in Florida.

Election 2008 Update

Time to put the Heat onto Romney, Political Action For Space

"Mitt Romney won the Nevada primary this morning. He also accepted the same invitation the Giuliani had acted on yesterday to meet with the Economic Development Council of Florida’s Space Coast."

Giuliani pledges to send astronauts to the moon and Mars, Political Action For Space

"Giuliani stated boldly and unequivocally today his commintment to send humans to the Moon and Mars, among other things."

Rudy at KSC today; Mitt coming Monday, Orlando Sentinel

"Next up is Mitt Romney. The former Massachusetts governor plans to visit KSC on Monday for a closed tour and then meet with the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, which also lobbied Giuliani."

Stand and Be Counted - It Seems To Be Working

Editor's 14 Jan note: If you are wondering why the presidential candidates don't spend more time talking about space exploration, here's your chance to try and change that situation and toss questions at them. Go to this link at Politico.com and submit a question to the Democratic and Republican candidates for the CNN/Politico/LA Times debates at the end of the month. Imagine what would happen if they had a thousand questions from NASA Watch readers submitted ... its time for y'all to put up or shut up. Send in a question. Send in more than one question.

Space Supporters Hit the CNN Presidential Debate Website Hard, Wired

"This is clearly not random chance. NASA Watch, a private website, ran a note about the website two days ago and it appears the readers (and likely the reader's friends, families, and associates) took this idea and ran with it."

Editor's 17 Jan a.m. update: Space questions continue to do well. There are still 2 weeks until the actual debates- so the trick now is to keep the momentum going. Vote for space questions, keep submitting your own, and try and focus on a single, clear question and avoid long speeches on one narrow topic, etc.

Meanwhile there is another debate where CNN is looking for your input:

Editor's 18 Jan a.m. update: It looks like activity has slacked off. The number of space-oriented questions has fallen from the top portion of the list - most notably on the Republican side. Things are better on the Democratic side but there has been erosion there as well. As best I can figure it there needs to be a constant influx of new questions while people vote for the older ones. The easiest way to do this is to check the "most recent" link several times a day and go down and click on all of the space questions you like. This way you don't miss any. In addition, going to the "most popular" page usually only works for new visitors (or for those of you using another computer). In essence: perseverance, new questions, and new people are required to keep this up. You have done a great job thus far - keep at it!

Space: The Final Electoral Frontier?, Orlando Sentinel

"The surge followed an appeal from NASA Watch, a private website, encouraging space supporters to flood the debate website with questions about space.  The request appears to have struck a nerve as NASA Watch aficionados and other space fans came out of the woodwork, inundating the website with inquires about the candidates' views on missions to the moon and mars, robotic exploration and climate change."

Submit Your Space Questions to the Debates, Planetary Society

"When you go to the site, you will see that numerous space-related questions already have been submitted, in large part thanks to the efforts of Keith Cowing, editor of the website NASAWATCH."

Earlier posts:

Wolf Blitzer: What would you ask the Democrats in South Carolina?, CNN Politics.com

"I am going to be hosting a Democratic presidential debate on Monday, January 21, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina"

Editor's 15 Jan a.m. update: You've been busy! Lots of space questions have been submitted and are now up for voting. Several questions seem to be heading to the top of the pack. New ones appear all the time. Look at what you have done already - imagine what will happen if you all keep at this every day and get others to vote until the debates on 30 and 31 January!

Editor's 15 Jan p.m. update: Well something is certainly in the wind. As of Tuesday evening, space-themed questions appeared 3 or 4 times in the most popular questions for both parties. A space question was #1 among the Democratic questions and #2 for the Republican questions. See screen grab. The best I can tell, based on how this website works, the smartest thing to do is to submit a good, general - but to the point - question and then vote for these questions multiple times a day (you get one vote per question per IP address) every time you see a new one. Keep at it folks!

Americans, Science, Technology - And Space

National Science Board Science and Engineering Indicators 2008, NSF

"Science and Engineering Indicators, published by the National Science Board, provides a broad base of quantitative information on the U.S. and international science and engineering enterprise."

NSB Science and Engineering Indicators 2008: Science and Technology: Public Attitudes and Understanding: Highlights

page 7-13: "Relative to other topics, including S&T-related topics, interest in space exploration has consistently ranked low both in the United States and around the world. Surveys in Europe, Russia, China, and Japan document this general pattern."

page 7-26/27: "Although support for federal research investment is at historically high levels, other kinds of federal spending generate even stronger public support (appendix table 7-18). Support for increased spending is greater in numerous program areas, including education (73%), health care (72%), assistance to the poor (68%), environmental protection (67%), and Social Security (61%). Scientific research ranks about on a par with mass transit (38%) and well ahead of Science and Engineering Indicators 2008 7-27 space exploration (14%) and assistance to foreign countries (10%) in the proportion of the U.S. population favoring increased spending."

Another Chance to Get a Space Question To The Candidates

Your chance to ask the candidates a question, MSNBC

"Watch the Jan. 15th 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidates' Debate — the first debate since the New Hampshire primaries — on MSNBC TV and MSNBC.com to see if your question is asked."

Obama On Space Exploration

Barack Obama's Plan For American Leadership in Space

"Over the decades, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has embodied the adventurous spirit that lifted this nation to greatness and inspired people around the world. Barack Obama believes that the United States needs a strong space program to help maintain its superiority not only in space, but also here on earth in the realms of education, technology, and national security. Over the years, NASA technology has been applied to improve everything from computers and medical technology to baby formula and automobiles. Work done at NASA, whether here on earth or in outer space, impacts the daily lives of all Americans."

Election 2008, previous posts

Rudy's Visits To Florida's Space Coast

Editor's note: Reliable sources report that Rudy Giuliani's visit to the KSC area tomorrow (Wednesday) is almost certainly being put off for a week - perhaps until 18 January.

Editor's Update: Just confirmed - he will be at KSC next week on 18 January.

Iowa Results and Space Exploration

Editor's note: Last night's Iowa election results left several messages (to me at least). For both parties, it seems that change is in the air and that manufactured candidates pushed by big party interests did not go over all that well (at least in Iowa). For the Republicans, it is unclear whether Huckabee's win is a flash in the pan or the beginning of a trend. For the Democrats, Obama's win over Hillary Clinton (Oh yes Edwards beat her too) signals a potential tectonic shift whereby traditional constituencies that common thought would suggest go for/against a female candidate and for/against a person of color where turned on their heads. Also "experience" and "change" seemed to trade places in terms of importance to voters. Again, we have only one data point thus far: Iowa. The weeks ahead will tell whether these two trends - together or individually will pan out into trends and/or paradigm shifts.

Obama clarifies his space policy, Spacepolitics.com

"Obama believes we should continue developing the next generation of space vehicles, and complete the international space station. While Obama would delay plans to return to moon and push on to mars, Obama would continue unmanned missions, and use NASA to monitor the forces and effects of climate change, support scientific research, and maintain surveillance to strengthen national security. Obama also believes we need to keep weapons out of space."

Space Makes it into the Presidential Debate, earlier post

"Cooper: Governor Huckabee?

NASA pumps some -- let's see, how many -- $5 billion into Florida's economy.

Huckabee: Whether we ought to go to Mars is not a decision that I would want to make, but I would certainly want to make sure that we expand the space program, because every one of us who are sitting here tonight have our lives dramatically improved because there was a space program -- whether it's these screens that we see or the incredible electronics that we use, including the GPS systems that got many of you to this arena tonight.(Laughter)

Some of you were late because you didn't have one, by the way. Or whether it's the medical technologies that saved many of our lives or the lives or our families, it's the direct result of the space program, and we need to put more money into science and technology and exploration. Now, whether we need to send somebody to Mars, I don't know. But I'll tell you what: If we do, I've got a few suggestions, and maybe Hillary could be on the first rocket to Mars."

Election 2008, Earlier posts

Given Obama's initial and then restated policies on space exploration, and those expressed by Huckabee, what do their respective wins (and possible future wins) mean for space policy? Do they mean anything at all?

Send your comments to nasawatch@reston.com Your comments thus far:

"Obama would delay plans to return to moon and push on to mars" "Ares V is dead. No big surprise."

Basic science is back.
Nothing can fly after 2010. Replacement parts
for shuttles R no longer made.
Maybe an Ares I will see low Earth orbit by 2020.
There will be no cheap alternatives through dot com CEO benevolence.

"None of the candidates have taken a positive stand for the VSE. Clinton has offered strong support for manned spaceflight in general, while Obama has stated his intention to raid NASA's budget to pay for some education programs. On the Republican side, there is no clarity of vision for manned spaceflight at all beyond some generic statements about being "for" it. What is at risk here is the very life of the VSE. We've been stuck in LEO for 30 years and this is probably our only real chance to get beyond it. Assuming it survives the election (which is by no means certain), it will probably be sharply curtailed by either party, for political or economic reasons, or maybe both. And then there's the politics. Almost nobody is going to want to keep "Bush's Space Plan." The trouble is that by the time the new President takes office, it will be too late to stop dismantling the Shuttle, and we will be forced to create something new. The question is: what will it be if it's not Bush's VSE?"

"Given Obama's initial and then restated policies on space exploration, and those expressed by Huckabee, what do their respective wins (and possible future wins) mean for space policy? Do they mean anything at all?"

Not to me. I hope that no one out there is picking the President of the United States based on their policies for space exploration! Even though I work in that field, there are far, far more important issues to deal with. We should be picking the President based on their plans to attack the real problems. In my mind, examples of those are long-term energy sources and the related economic and national security issues, universal health care and the question of how Medicare will be paid for in the future, nuclear proliferation, global warming, that sort of thing. For global warming, I would expect to see some attention paid to the use of space-based observational assets as part of the attack on that problem. But other than that, space exploration is not a factor in my consideration of candidates. - Anonymous

According to CNN, coming out of Iowa Obama has 16 delegates, Clinton has 15 and Edwards has 14. At the convention one of the contenders will need 2605 delegates to get the nomination. It seems to me the Iowa result is that there will be a race, not that the race has already been won and lost.

  All this talk about space and the presidential election is bemusing, but let's face it—it's a waste of time. To project what will come from the next administration (Democrat or Republican), all one need do is look to their predecessors' actions (acknowledging, of course, that JFK's Apollo bid was an anomaly (See "Spaceflight and the Myth of Presidential Leadership" edited by Launius & McCurdy). What the candidates are saying during the campaigns has no bearing on what will actually come to pass.

If a Democrat is elected, the manned space program will be descoped in terms of vision and slowed operationally to maintain the status quo while providing just enough funding to create the impression (especially for voters in Florida, Texas, and California) that the program is alive and well. While the shuttle will retire close to on time and work on the Earth-orbiting Orion will continue, plans for abandoning the ISS will be reconsidered...and Ares I may get shelved in lieu of EELV launch of a "Block I" Orion. We will not begin any new manned programs, and it's a good bet that the VSE lunar development would be scaled back to "advanced studies" with no real intention of cutting any metal for moving beyond Earth orbit (Ares V would likely be shelved, even as part of study work). Human Mars mission work will remain far over the horizon as we send a few (but scaled back) robotic missions.

If a Republican is elected, the space program will stay on its current sluggish track toward deeper exploration (the VSE hardware design & development for lunar return would continue) and the new president may even propose a new grand and reasonably visionary initiative (an asteroid visit to emphasize the economic potential of solar system exploration?) near the end of his third year in office. Manned Mars mission work will remain a subject of study and even small-size hardware assessment, but only the robotic missions (as currently envisioned) will proceed to actual flight hardware and launch. UNFORTUNATELY, the entire program will continue to limp along on insufficient funding, killing Peter to pay Paul, because the budgets coming from the White House won't match their longer-term vision. Since the Republican OMB won't tolerate high up-front development costs, NASA will be forced to design the hardware (including Altair) with low-cost expediency (instead of long-term operations) as its primary "guiding" principle—so we (and future generations) will get saddled with another suite of equipment that severely limits our options for future exploration & applications. 

In either case, these same bemusing discussions will be taking place four years, eight years, and twelve years from now...and we (the U.S., at least) STILL won't be back on the Moon's surface, we won't have any options in place for deflecting an asteroid or comet, and humans on Mars will remain a dream as distant as the next century. 

Botched PR From Mike and Huck

Slippery PR ploys trip up practitioners, Opinion, USA Today

"At first glance, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and NASA chief Michael Griffin don't have much in common. Huckabee is no rocket scientist, and Griffin is no presidential aspirant. But their respective recent forays into the field of communications illustrate a common point: Sometimes it is easy to look dumb trying to be clever."

Senate Candidate Offers Little Shuttles To Donors

Editor's note: STS-90 payload specialist Jay Buckey is running for the Democratic senate nomination in New Hampshire.

One of the things his campaign is offering in exchange for contributions are these little space shuttles.

AIA Urges Campaign Focus on Space Exploration

Campaigns Should Support Space Exploration, Aerospace Industries Association

"Presidential campaigns should publicly express their support of NASA's Constellation Program to ensure America's leadership in space exploration as well as boost education, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said. The exploration program, which will return astronauts to the moon and explore Mars and beyond, should not be delayed under any circumstances since there is already a manned spaceflight gap looming."

Space Advocacy Groups: Not Ready For Prime Time?

Editor's note: Last night a Mars Society member (and Hukabee supporter) managed to get a video question inserted into the Republican Presidential debate. Yet, as of 2:00 pm EST neither Planetary Society, the National Space Society, the Coalition for Space Exploration, the Space Exploration Alliance, or even the Mars Society has any mention whatsoever of this question being asked last night. Gee, I had something online 10-20 minutes after the words were spoken - and I am not especially gifted in regard to web stuff. It is now 14 hours later and there is not a peep from the space advocacy community. I have to ask, why is anyone (campaign staff, voters) going to pay any additional attention to groups that support an issue when they cannot get off of their collective butts to even make note of (and capitalize upon) a potential breakthrough in a national debate?

Today's Video: Space Makes It Into The Presidential Debate

Editor's note: A video (below) from a Mars Society member (complete with logos) managed to get in on the CNN/YouTube debate among Republican presidential candidates. In responding, Gov. Huckabee was rather supportive of space exploration and its benefits to our society and economy. He even wanted to send Hillary Clinton to Mars. Rep. Tom Tancredo said that there is not enough money to spend on a Mars mission (transcript below).

Editor's note: According to a NASA Watch reader, the person who submitted this question, Steve Nielson, has a pro-Huckabee website.

"Steve Nielson: My name is Steve Nielson. And this question comes to you from Denver, Colorado. JFK's vision put a man on the moon from a nonexistent space program in about seven years. The new vision for space exploration has provided about 15 years for that same feat. Meanwhile, Congress is pulling funding for human-to-Mars research altogether. Is there a candidate amongst you willing to take a pledge on behalf of the Mars Society of sending an American to the surface of Mars by 2020? If not, what is your vision for human space exploration?

Cooper: Governor Huckabee?

NASA pumps some -- let's see, how many -- $5 billion into Florida's economy.

Huckabee: Whether we ought to go to Mars is not a decision that I would want to make, but I would certainly want to make sure that we expand the space program, because every one of us who are sitting here tonight have our lives dramatically improved because there was a space program -- whether it's these screens that we see or the incredible electronics that we use, including the GPS systems that got many of you to this arena tonight.

(Laughter)

Some of you were late because you didn't have one, by the way. Or whether it's the medical technologies that saved many of our lives or the lives or our families, it's the direct result of the space program, and we need to put more money into science and technology and exploration. Now, whether we need to send somebody to Mars, I don't know. But I'll tell you what: If we do, I've got a few suggestions, and maybe Hillary could be on the first rocket to Mars.

(Laughter)

Cooper: Congressman Tancredo, 30 seconds, please.

Tancredo: The question is a serious one and it deserves a serious answer, and that is this: Look, we've been -- how many times up here, how many questions have dealt with the issue of deficit spending, the debt out of control? And yet, we have somebody saying, "But would you spend more money on going to Mars?" And the suggestion that we need to spend more money on space exploration. This is it, folks. That's why we have such incredible problems with our debt, because everybody's trying to be everything to all people. We can't afford some things, and by the way, going to Mars is one of them."

More on Obama's Proposed NASA Cuts

Obama Trashing Space Exploration (discussion), Newsvine

"Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's education policy is causing a stir ... but not all in a good way. Advocates for space exploration are noting with dismay that he'd take billions of dollars from NASA to pay for the educational programs he'd like to expand."

Thoughts on Obama's Proposed NASA Cuts

Space Vs. Education, MSNBC

"Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s education policy is causing a stir … but not all in a good way. Advocates for space exploration are noting with dismay that he’d take billions of dollars from NASA to pay for the educational programs he'd like to expand."

More on Clinton's Space Policy

Future Human Spaceflight - Democratic Candidate Launches a Position as Opponents Orbit From a Safe Distance, Washington Post

"The major presidential candidates pummel each other daily on issues ranging from the Iraq war to health care. But when it comes to President Bush's ambitious initiative to send humans back to the moon and on to Mars, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) is all but alone in staking out a formal position -- and it's one that lends support to key aspects of the president's effort.

She initially outlined the need for a "robust" human spaceflight program last month during a Washington speech on science policy, despite being broadly critical of the Bush administration's record on scientific issues."

Obama Wants to Slash NASA's Budget

Obama plan: reward teachers, lengthen school time, Baltimore Sun

"Barack Obama is planning to unveil an education plan today that would make affordable pre-school programs more widely available and offer pay incentive programs for effective teachers. It would also allow schools to lengthen the teaching day or the school year. The $18 billion annual program would be offset by savings and cuts in federal agencies, including NASA. ... The cost of the early education plan would come partly from delaying the NASA Constellation Program for five years ..."

Obama's Education Rollout, MSNBC

"Though Obama called for a renewed investment in math and science education, his plan would actually pull money from the federal government's greatest investments and achievements in math and science. Obama would delay funding for the NASA Constellation program for five years, though he would maintain the $500 million in funding the program would receive for its manufacturing and technology base, in order to help fund his education policy. The campaign did not say how much money delaying the program would provide."

Obama unveils education proposal , The Hill

"A spokesman for the Republican National Committee (RNC) criticized the NASA cut. "It is ironic that Barack Obama's plan to help our children reach for the stars is financed in part by slashing a program that helps us learn about those very same stars," said Danny Diaz, RNC spokesman."

Editor's note: Let's see, the gap between Shuttle retirement and Constellations' first flight is approaching 5 years. Now Obama wants that to be ten years. I guess that means that the only way for America to reach the ISS for a decade will be aboard Russian spacecraft. That is totally unacceptable.

A Preview of the Ron Paul Administration

Ron Paul: Trouble back home, The Hill

"When told that "Ron Paul consistently opposes taxpayer funding for NASA and wants to eliminate the agency," 61 percent of Republican primary voters said this information would make them less likely to vote for Paul's reelection."

Rudy Courts ET Voters

Giuliani: Preparedness key, even if aliens attack, AP

"Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani on Sunday said preparedness will be key for all crises, even an attack from outer space. During a town hall meeting in Exeter, a young questioner asked the former New York mayor about his plan to protect Earth. "If (there's) something living on another planet and it's bad and it comes over here, what would you do?" the boy asked."

Space Policy Enters 2008 Campaign

Hillary Clinton's Agenda to Reclaim Scientific Innovation

"Hillary will enhance American leadership in space, including:

- Pursuing an ambitious 21st century Space Exploration Program, by implementing a balanced strategy of robust human spaceflight, expanded robotic spaceflight, and enhanced space science activities.

- Developing a comprehensive space-based Earth Sciences agenda, including full funding for NASA's Earth Sciences program and a space-based Climate Change Initiative that will help us secure the scientific knowledge we need to combat global warming.

-Promoting American leadership in aeronautics by reversing funding cuts to NASA's and FAA's aeronautics R&D budget."

Scientific Integrity and Innovation: Remarks at The Carnegie Institution for Science by Sen. Hillary Clinton

"Fifty years ago, Sputnik marked the dawn of the Space Age and the beginning of a new era filled with new challenges. Fifty years later, there is no single, galvanizing event to steel our resolve and to lift our eyes to the heavens. The challenges we face are more complex and interconnected. From the rise of globalization to the threat of global warming. These challenges require big ideas and bold thinking."

Editor's note: What is surprising to me is the extensive portion of the overall speech devoted to space exploration and space policy. I am not sure that any presidential candidate has said this much in public about space in a long time.

Watch the speech on YouTube

Space Policy Is About To Enter 2008 Campaign

Science Policy Speech by Hillary Clinton

"Tomorrow morning, Hillary will be giving a speech on her science policy, and we'd like you to attend. After six years of George Bush putting ideology ahead of science, America is ready for a change, and Hillary will lay out her plans to support scientific research and restore the role of science in decision-making. Space is limited and RSVPs are required. RSVP now:"

Editor's note: Word has it that Sen. Clinton will make some very specific and detailed recommendations for the space policy she'd implement as President.

Where Do We Go From Here?

NASA and the next administration, SpaceReview

"It has long been a complaint of space advocates that presidential candidates spend little or no time discussing their space policy positions—if, in fact, they have bothered to develop any positions on the subject. Space is near the bottom of the list of topics of interest to the electorate in general, and one that is not a swing issue for all but a small handful of voters. It is also rarely a partisan issue, making it difficult for space policy to become more ammunition in the continuous battles between Republicans and Democrats. Thus, even in the current campaign—which is shaping up to be the longest and perhaps the most contentious in US history—there’s scant attention paid to space."

Political Objections to Ares 1 Are Apparently On The Rise

Editor's note: Over the past several weeks I have had an opportunity to talk with people who are working space policy - and related issues - for both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates and party organizations. One common theme is readily apparent (so far) - on both sides: a greater use of private sector solutions - i.e. the use of commercial launch vehicles - specifically EELVs - as the launch vehicle of choice for the CEV. No one seems to be all that fond of continuing the development of Ares 1 (a government-owned solution) or the cost of developing something that already exists i.e. something you can buy now (EELVs). Of course, much can change between now and the election - and who will run NASA in 2009. But the writing on the wall is starting to become rather clear.

Editor's update: Contrary to what some of the space chat pages would suggest in response to this post last night, the individuals I have spoken with are not other space chat site posters whose opinions are pulled out of thin air. Rather, these are individuals, many of whom who work here in Washington, DC with significant positions in government, politics, industry, and academia. Many are seasoned political and campaign veterans.

Hillary Hears About Space

Hillary Clinton Hears About Space Policy at Washington Issues Forum, SpaceRef

"Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's Presidential campaign held an "Issues Forum & Breakfast" this morning in Washington, DC. at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill - and space policy was on the agenda. Among the breakout sessions was one titled "Commercial & Civil Aerospace" which was led and hosted by former NASA Policy and Plans Associate Administrator Lori Garver. Former NASA Public Affairs Associate Administrator Glenn Mahone also participated as a moderator."

A Faster-Better-Cheaper Scolding From John McCain

McCain's temper back on campaign's front-burner, LA Times

"One bureaucrat who felt McCain's wrath was former NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin, who was summoned by McCain in 1999, not long after a $125-million probe crashed on Mars because of confusion over the use of English and metric units. McCain's Senate Commerce Committee had oversight over NASA.

"McCain went ballistic the moment Goldin walked into McCain's office," said a participant in the meeting who spoke on condition of anonymity because he still worked in the government arena. "He was shouting and using profanity, saying he was sick of NASA's screw-ups. It went on for a few minutes, and then he kicked Goldin out of the office."

Goldin started walking down the hallway but was called back to the senator's office by a McCain aide. "When he came back in, McCain started yelling at Goldin all over again. And then McCain kicked Goldin out a second time before he ever said a word," the source said."

Will Rudy Talk About Space? Answer: No

Giuliani to visit Space Center, raise cash, Huntsville Times

"Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will visit Huntsville today for a luncheon fundraiser and a stop at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The Republican candidate for president is also making campaign stops in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. Giuliani is to attend a $1,000-a-plate luncheon and photo op fundraiser at The Ledges in south Huntsville. It is a closed event, said Elliott Bundy, regional communications director for Giuliani's campaign."

Giuliani stresses strong military, women's right of choice, Huntsville Times

"Arriving afterward at the Space Center, Giuliani said military research in robotics and bomb detection not only would help in Iraq, but would improve law enforcement here and homeland security."

Space Policy Wonks Already Looking at 2008

Editor's note: Word has it that Kerry 2004 Space Advisor Lori Garver hosted a dinner at her home in McLean last night for like-minded pro-space Democrats.  There are also rumblings that Democratic space wonks are beginning the process of considering the drafting of draft white papers on space policy for an election 18 months away ... stay tuned.

McCain on Space Exploration

McCain meets religious broadcasters in Fla., holds town meetings, KVOA

"[Republican presidential candidate John McCain] also said he strongly supports missions to Mars and that Florida should continue to play a major role in space exploration. "There's too much invested there. There's infrastructure that's very expensive and very extensive there," he said."