Bill Posey
In May, the Obama administration authorized a committee of experts to review current and activities for human space flight as undertaken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee’s findings, scheduled to come out in late August or early September, will play a significant role in shaping our nation’s human space flight programs for generations to come.
Though appointed by NASA at the request of the administration, this panel of experts ultimately owes its allegiance and diligence to the American people. In some ways our space program has become a victim of its own success. The abundance of NASA spinoffs — cell phones, laptops, GPS — has resulted in many Americans taking for granted, or failing to appreciate altogether, how space exploration has directly benefited their lives. The committee’s report could have a significant impact on our ability as a nation to continue in our technological and scientific advances.
Space exploration is the one thing for which the United States is undeniably, unequivocally and universally respected around the world. But our international competitors are eager to catch up. Russia, China, India, and others are challenging our position as the world leader in aerospace. We should not and cannot afford to surrender this leadership to others. Not for the sake of national pride but because it is an integral part of our future and will inspire future generations of Americans. We must press the envelope and lead the world. Additionally, we all realize the vital implications at stake in regards to our national security; whoever dominates space will control what security we have here on Earth.
President John F. Kennedy, like the Wright brothers, inspired a generation with his vision of “landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth.” As a young man, I was inspired by that vision and joined thousands of other Americans to work on the Apollo program to see the vision fulfilled. Forty years ago, almost to the day, we succeeded. Soon thereafter, however, tens of thousands of us received our pink slips. As we approach the Space Shuttle’s retirement and our temporary dependence on the Russians for access to the space station, we must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Our talented work force cannot simply be laid off and then rehired a few years later.
I have urged the committee to highlight in their report ways to minimize the U.S. gap with the Shuttle’s successor program to maintain our high-skilled space work force. Furthermore, I asked the committee to think outside the arbitrary budget numbers placed on NASA — $18.8 billion out of a total $3.6 trillion budget, less than half a percent of the federal budget.
If we are serious about maintaining our leadership in space and wish to continue as a beneficiary of space exploration, policy makers need to know what the best options are overall. Budgets are a reality, but proper leadership can and should match the budget to a worthy mission — not the mission to the budget. Finally, I reminded the committee of the importance of vision in inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.
Posey, R-Rockledge, represents the northern Treasure Coast in the U.S. House.
