Follows Goals Set By Bush Administration

The release of next year's fiscal budget proposals by President Barack Obama spells good news for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the US space program as a whole, with more money going into its coffers for returning US astronauts to the moon and pushing robotic exploration deeper into space.

Obama's plan allocates $18.7 billion to NASA in fiscal year 2009, representing an increase of $2.4 billion over FY2008 figures. His budget package calls for the retirement of the space shuttle program in 2010, renewed exploration of earth's moon, and sending robotic missions to places... where no robot has gone before.

Also mentioned in Obama's budget is the possible addition of another flight to the space shuttle's dwindling schedule for work on completion of the International Space Station, Reuters reported.

The plan includes $1.3 billion in funding to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the development and acquisition of weather satellites and climate sensors, presumably in part to replace the NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory, a CO2-emissions-monitoring satellite that crashed into the ocean near Antarctica last week after failing to separate from its rocket booster.

Obama's space program budget proposals drew mostly supportive remarks. Christopher Scolese, the acting NASA Administrator, said the proposal was "fiscally responsible."

Aerospace Industries Association president Marion Blakey said, "In this remarkably difficult economic atmosphere, we are encouraged to see a budget proposal that recognizes the importance of our national security and invests in space and aviation priorities."

Underwhelmed by Obama's budget plans, Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham said, "The budget proposal for NASA represents a disappointingly small step in the right direction. It is far from what is needed if the US is to stimulate the economy, create more high-tech jobs and hold on to its eroding leadership position in space."

FMI: www.nasa.gov