Go Boldly NASA

Space is truly the “high ground” of American leadership and security, technological innovation, global competitiveness, economic prosperity and quality of life.  The return on taxpayer investment in space has been extraordinary. Therefore, I am writing to endorse the GoBoldly statement shown below calling for continued U.S. leadership in human space exploration. This statement is consistent with the 2010 NASA Authorization Act approved on a bi-partisan basis by Congress and signed by the President.

I am concerned that the Administration’s budget request for FY2012 ignores priorities clearly established in the Authorization Act in a way that would needlessly delay our nation’s ability to open up a new era of exploration and discovery beyond low Earth orbit.  It diverts funding away from development of a heavy lift Space Launch System and continued progress on the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.

We need to move forward NOW – not 5, 10 or 20-plus years from now!  America’s space program needs full funding for NASA and sustained support through multiple administrations. We are already seeing America being surpassed by countries such as China, which is sustaining its human space exploration program. Additionally, as you undoubtedly realize, the national security interests of these countries are not necessarily consistent with our own.

A prolonged delay over policy/budget disputes will result in lost jobs, a total dependence on foreign launch systems to put American astronauts in space, and wasted opportunities for scientific exploration and discovery.  Our nation’s youth, as well as others across the globe, are beginning to question America’s commitment to remaining the global leader in human space. What do we tell them?

I strongly urge your support for full funding of NASA and your commitment to the balanced set of priorities clearly established in the 2010 NASA Authorization Act.

Thank you for your consideration. 

GoBoldly Advocates American Leadership in Human Space Exploration

GoBoldly urges Congress and the President to support funding for NASA and a balanced program of human space exploration as agreed to previously in the 2010 NASA Authorization Act.

NASA and space exploration are sound investments in our future.  For less than half of 1% of federal spending, NASA returns substantial value to our citizens in their everyday lives relative to health care, navigation systems, computer technology, environmental awareness, agricultural resource management, transportation, consumer products and conveniences, and industrial productivity.

The 2010 NASA Authorization Act, approved overwhelmingly in the House and Senate and signed by the President, moves America forward in a fiscally responsible and technologically achievable manner.  This legislation charts a pathway for future space exploration that:

·         Provides for safe operation of the Space Shuttle, with three flights in 2011;

·         Builds on the International Space Station as a national lab through at least 2020;

·         Encourages development of commercial space systems for low Earth orbit operations;

·         Approves development of a Space Launch System as way to continue human space exploration and leverage investments made in the Ares launch systems;

·         Continues development of a Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle using the Orion project’s human safety features, designs and systems; and

·         Utilizes existing contracts, investments, workforce, industrial base, and capabilities from the Ares and Orion projects.

Sustained political and budget support for NASA and our nation’s human space exploration program is essential to American global leadership, technological innovation, economic competitiveness and jobs, as well as for ensuring the safety of our astronauts. 

http://www.goboldlynasa.org/