Bush's speech on NASA

Just finished listening to Bush's speech on NASA via the internet. Typical politician's speech. Long on flowery words but short on detail!

A couple of things I did manage to pick out though. The shuttle is to be retired by 2010. The new launch vehical is to be ready by 2014. So that means at least 4 years when NASA will have nothing for manned launch.

The only comments about paying for going to the moon and the new launch vehical were for a small increase in NASA's budget and for the rest of the money to come from re-directing funds within NASA. About $11 billion I think he said! This could be a BIG worry. What sort of programs could take a hit big enough to fund that sort of amount? Future unmanned missions? The next generation space telescope?

I await the details with interest.

Maurice

I'm as excited about space programs as anyone here; the present mars program is great! I am, however, concerned about how responsible GWB is being with this new proposal. He wants the credit for announcing a visionary program, yet he won't be the one saddled with paying for it when it becomes the most expensive. This is yet another example of Bush wanting to create an enormous bill to be paid for by others. The days of the GOP being the proponents of smaller, less obtrusive, less expensive government are l-o-n-g gone. This administration has put the final nail in that coffin. That said, I am all for responsible and innovative ways of exploring space.