But Bolden Says NASA Will Be Required To Embrace New Areas Of
Emphasis
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden issued the following
statement Monday regarding President Obama's new National Space
Policy:
"NASA is pleased to be an integral part of President Obama's
National Space Policy. NASA's new direction, announced as part of
the fiscal year 2011 budget, is embodied in the new National Space
Policy. I would like to thank Lori Garver, my deputy, who led this
policy review for NASA, and Phil Mcalister, the NASA
representative, who led our working group effort.
"NASA has a key role in achieving the goals defined in the new
policy. We are committed to working with other agencies, industry,
and international partners to achieve national goals in exploration
- human and robotic - and technology development that will ensure a
robust future for the U.S. and our friends around the world.
"The new space policy sets our nation on a path to develop the
next generation of capabilities we will need to live and work in
space. Human and robotic exploration will flourish and bring a
wealth of economic and scientific dividends. We will reach new
horizons of discovery and expand the reach of humans throughout the
solar system.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden
"This policy embraces the historical roles of the agency, such
as research and development of launch systems, robotic missions to
destinations throughout the solar system, and Earth science,
including climate change.
"But it also challenges NASA to embrace new roles and areas of
emphasis, such as enhancing use of the International Space Station,
identifying and characterizing of near-Earth objects, and
eliminating or limiting orbital debris and its danger to
spacecraft.
"In addition, we will expand our partnerships with private
industry, allowing commercial companies to take a larger role in
the exploration of space while NASA pursues those activities the
agency is uniquely qualified to do.
"This policy will enable a vibrant, job-creating, transportation
system for taking humans to and from low-Earth orbit, which should
significantly contribute to the national economy, benefit all of
our nation's citizens, and enable exploration beyond low-Earth
orbit. This policy promises to transform human spaceflight for
future generations.
"As we pursue the capabilities of the future, our work will make
life better for people here on Earth. Our focus on innovation will
generate new jobs in new industries and revitalize the country's
industrial base for space.
"At the same time, NASA will strengthen and improve its
Earth-observing capabilities and develop new tools for
decision-makers to use this crucial data. Building on our history
of international partnerships, we will forge new relationships with
nations of all sizes to leverage our resources and achieve more
than we could on our own.
"NASA stands ready to again transform our perspectives and
expectations, and help the nation reach its highest potential."
Bolen Gives Congress a Rare Thumbs-Up
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