Shoot for the Stars
Posted: Saturday, April 17, 2010
by Jack H. Schick
{I find it sad that people became so upset over Newt Gingrich's statements about our space program when President Obama gave NASA an even more expensive and difficult mission less than two years ago. The following article was written in April, 2010 after the President announced his plans...which no one seems to remember or consider in the least bit foolish. It's fact. Look it up in the newspaper archives}
He explained his drastic changes to the space agency's direction; his decision to abort the less costly, more modest 'return to the Moon plan' begun under President G.W. Bush, in favor of the more ambitious goal by saying that we must continue "reaching for new heights and reaching for what's possible." As far as returning to the Moon and establishing a permanent base there, he said, "We've been there before. There's a lot more of space to explore."
When questioned about the costs and the complicated nature of such a mission he responded, "We want to leap into the future, not continue on the same path as before." He said that people expect change. "We've got to do it in a smart way; we can't keep doing the same old things as before." He outlined a plan of federal spending that drastically reduces NASA's budget, but is designed to bring more private companies into space exploration following the soon-to-end shuttle program. He believes we must get out of the habit of relying on the government and shift more responsibility to private industry for these types of programs.
The president was criticized for cutting funding to NASA and leaving the United States dependent on Russian launch vehicles to get into space after the shuttle missions cease. In response, he adamantly stated, "Nobody is more committed to manned space flight, the human exploration of space, than I am." He reassured NASA workers that America 's space adventures will "soar on," that he is "100% committed" to the new Mars Mission and to NASA's future.
The president outlined the new plans he wants NASA to focus on. "We'll start by sending astronauts to an asteroid for the first time in history. By the mid-2030's, I believe we can send humans to orbit Mars and return safely to Earth. And a landing on Mars will follow." He said that his goal is not a luxury, but a necessity for the United States. He hopes NASA will 'get onboard' and follow his lead toward America's future.
Critics of the President's plan to stop federal support for Earth orbit programs, as well as the in-the-works return to the Moon project, contend that he is dealing a staggering blow to the nation's manned space program. "We will have no way to launch our own satellites. We'll be totally dependent on the Russians, Europeans or the Chinese," one critic claimed.
Though the President's bold forecast of NASA's future relies on rocket technology and propulsion systems that have yet to be even imagined much less are ready for design, he assures that by 2025, "we will have a new space craft for long journeys to allow us to begin the first-ever crewed missions beyond the Moon into deep space." He said he had confidence in NASA's abilities to meet his goals. He believes the agency represents what it means to be American, and it is not yet close to its final days.
The president hopes his charismatic appeal to private industry to take over this effort, stimulated by government money, will satisfy the hopes and dreams of the continued space exploration we all had as children. There is no limit to what can be accomplished. We must change our goals. "NASA has inspired the nation and the world for half a century." The president believes we should no longer just 'shoot for the Moon'; we should 'shoot for the stars.'
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Much of what this president says is fodder for sarcasm. You nailed it again, Jack. Thanks.Thanks for reading and commenting, as always
Humm- I wonder if what he said is the real reason why we're not planning to go back to the moon? I read a book written by an astronaut who went to the moon- he told a different story about why we can't go back. There are a whole lot of good reasons why we would want to go back... if we were allowed to. He says he hopes NASA will get behind him on this? Ha Ha ha that's really funny, like it's his idea- NASA has been planning a Mars mission for many years now- anybody can see through what he's trying to do- still thinks we're all idiots out here.- Good article Jack- as always- Thanks-EllaThe NASA Mars missions were robotic. thanks for reading
Jack.Good article, but is the sense to got to mar. as per politic every politician that I have know in my life make a lot of promises but the never come true.Thanks for reading and commenting- not the sarcasm, please
This was very interesting stuff, Jack. I like that you simply presented a picture without judgment or bias of any sort, leaving me to make up my own mind as to what I think about it. Thanks for another great article!JenniferThanks, Jennifer. I guess my sarcasm was not sharp enough. I did put the "we' of Kennedy, and the "me" of Obama in quotes.
This president will be done after one term I predict. Hopefully he will not have irretrievably changed the country so that it's beyond repair . I've read enough American History to know that we've survived a lot of crises in our 200+ yrs. and we will survive this, too. Just get him the hell out of there!!Thanks for reading and commenting
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