The roster of speakers obtained by The Times, and confirmed by two people with direct knowledge of the convention planning reveals... there are several notable women speaking.
...Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle mission.
Update: The GOP has released its official list of speakers, confirming Collins, as well as Gingrich and Cruz as noted below.
Newt Gingrich, who for decades has served on the National Space Society's Board of Governors, is also scheduled to speak that night, the 47th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and the 40th anniversary of the first Mars landing by the Viking 1 probe. (During the 2012 campaign, Gingrich proposed building a base on the moon by 2020.)
Senator Ted Cruz is also scheduled to speak that night. Cruz is the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness.
A note about this thread: After both conventions are over and the nominees for each party are confirmed, a topic will be started to discuss the space policies of the candidates running for office. This thread is only intended for any mentions of space exploration or NASA at either of the conventions. Please try to keep on-topic and avoid overtly partisan comments. Thank you.
posted 07-14-2016 10:29 AM
An astronaut speaking at a National Convention? Isn't there a law against that?
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 867 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 07-14-2016 10:46 AM
Given that Collins is retired I don't think that there is any law about that, nor, in my opinion, should there be. Once you are retired you should be able to speak your mind about whatever floats your boat, just like any other US citizen.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-14-2016 11:07 AM
The Hatch Act prevents most federal employees under the executive branch of the government from taking part in some political activities, such as speaking at a presidential convention. Once retired though, former civil servants are free to do as they please.
Collins is not the first astronaut to speak at a presidential convention. John Glenn delivered a keynote at the 1976 Democratic National Convention in New York City.
posted 07-15-2016 06:22 AM
Thanks for the responses but I was just shocked to see that either party even acknowledges, besides the basic lip service, that we have a space program during their national conventions.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-15-2016 06:46 AM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: The Hatch Act prevents most federal employees under the executive branch of the government from taking part...
The act only prevents such activity if he/she is serving in an official capacity - one can still participate (while in office) as a private citizen.
posted 07-15-2016 08:16 AM
Good to see Commander Collins is going to the convention. Would like to see more retired astronaut heroes speaking out politically.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 07-15-2016 10:24 AM
Hopefully, Col. Collins will be a voice of reason at the Republican gathering and not be put up there just for mere "show."
Likewise, hopefully former Rep. Gabby Giffords and her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly will lend their voices to the Democratic gathering.
328KF Member
Posts: 1234 From: Registered: Apr 2008
posted 07-15-2016 02:49 PM
While I have great respect and admiration for Mark Kelly for his accomplishments, politically he is useful to the Democrats for just one issue. I doubt, if he and his wife do indeed speak at the convention, that the topic will be anything related to space exploration.
Collins has never previously been involved in politics to any great extent publicly. I am very interested to see what her speech topic will be and why she believes Mr. Trump is best suited for the office.
Aztecdoug Member
Posts: 1405 From: Huntington Beach Registered: Feb 2000
posted 07-15-2016 03:02 PM
I was happy to share with my young daughters that a former Girl Scout, a great girl power representative, and someone that they have met, was going to get the national spotlight next week.
While they are only 10 and 12, they do have their own opinions on who should be the next president. Despite their opinions on either candidate, they are happy to hear that Eileen Collins will be so honored.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-17-2016 09:20 PM
Eileen Collins provided a statement to Mashable about her participation in the Republican National Convention:
"I will be talking about how the Apollo program inspired Americans to rally behind a cause: John Kennedy’s challenge to land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth by the end of the decade," Collins told Mashable in a statement.
"We landed on the moon 'in peace, for all mankind' and I know that is a message we can all get behind."
Collins also added that her three-minute speech at the convention is not meant to be political.
"As another motive, this is a chance I could not pass up: We can raise awareness of how the U.S. human space program has slowed over the years," Collins added.
posted 07-18-2016 10:20 AM
I would be shocked if either candidate mentioned the space program (besides the casual sentence) in their acceptance speeches. I don't think my heart could take it.
albatron Member
Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
posted 07-18-2016 11:57 AM
Anyone know what time she's speaking? She and Marcus Luttrell, both heroes of mine.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-18-2016 12:16 PM
The program does not give specific times, only that the primetime portion begins at 7 p.m. Collins will be the fourth to speak after Laura Ingraham, Phil Ruffin and Pam Bondi.
The theme for Wednesday is "Make America First Again."
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-18-2016 08:21 PM
From SpaceNews' Jeff Foust on Twitter:
The GOP platform has a brief mention of space, endorsing public-private partnerships and "unfettered access."
The full platform is here. Here is the relevant excerpt:
We encourage public-private partnerships to provide predictable support for connecting rural areas so that every American can fully participate in the global economy.
The public-private partnerships between NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial companies have given us technological progress that has reduced the cost of accessing space and extended America's space leadership in the commercial, civil, and national security spheres. The entrepreneurship and innovation culture of the free market is revitalizing the nation's space capabilities, saving taxpayer money, and advancing technology critical to maintain America's edge in space and in other fields.
To protect our national security interests and foster innovation and competitiveness, we must sustain our preeminence in space by launching more scientific missions, guaranteeing unfettered access, and ensuring that our space-related industries remain a source of scientific leadership and education.
posted 07-19-2016 10:14 AM
Translation — don't expect anything. They might as well come out against space exploration and stop being hypocrites (not that I'm expecting anything from the other party either).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-19-2016 10:39 AM
Party platforms don't set (or often even guide) presidential policy, nor congressional actions, so really the only observation that can be made from this is that the GOP is okay with continuing the commercial approach started under George W. Bush and realized under Barack Obama.
posted 07-20-2016 06:29 AM
I am well aware that party platforms are not worth very much. However, the language used could be a sign of how much enthusiasm there is for a program/issue. Using words that are bland and standard, especially when there is a catchphrase for this candidate, isn't inspiring for space enthusiasts. It's almost like they had to mention it, so Blah, Blah, Blah. The problem might be with me — I am expecting some candidate (perhaps in a galaxy far, far away!), to really love space exploration.
posted 07-20-2016 06:57 PM
No telling whether or not the major television networks will broadcast Commander Collins. Best way to be sure to see it live is via C-SPAN.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-20-2016 07:10 PM
Network television coverage of the convention doesn't begin until 10 p.m. EDT. Collins is said to be taking the stage at 8:40 p.m. EDT.
The news networks may have some of it but they tend to break in for commentary for all but the key political speakers.
As mentioned, C-SPAN has a full feed, or you can watch the RNC livestream here.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-20-2016 07:14 PM
Donald Trump's campaign put out a moon landing themed update on Facebook:
47 years ago our nation did something that NOBODY thought we could do — we were the first to put a man on the moon. It is time to be number one, again! Believe me, as President, we will once again, Make America First Again!
And here is an excerpt from Eileen Collins' speech, as released by the RNC:
"Nations that lead on the frontier, lead in the world. We need that visionary leadership again: leadership that will inspire the next generation to have that same passion. We need leadership that will challenge every American to ask, 'What's next?' We need leadership that will make America's space program first again. We need leadership that will make America first again."
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-20-2016 07:48 PM
Eileen Collins just finished speaking. Her remarks, other than a mention of "Make America Great Again," made no references to Donald Trump or to the Republican party, but as she said, were non-political.
Update: Multiple news sources are reporting that Collins omitted the closing line of her prepared speech, "That leader is Donald Trump."
She did call for leadership in space, and referenced the retirement of the space shuttle, but otherwise it was a general message to champion space exploration going forward.
Before Collins took the stage, this video played:
And here is her full speech:
Update: Prepared remarks (see above for explanation of strikethrough below):
From the moment the first Pilgrims arrived on our shores, Americans have been asking, "what's next?" We are a nation built by the passion of people who weren't afraid to do something first, to step into the unknown, and pave our own way forward. We are a nation of explorers.
In 1961, President Kennedy issued a challenge to America: to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth. 47 years ago on this very day, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin answered that call and walked on the moon. They took with them an American flag and a plaque bearing the inscription: "here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon July 1969. We came in peace for all mankind."
We landed on the moon to fulfill a leadership challenge and to explore. Exploration leads to innovation and discovery. Our successful robotic missions to Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto have provided valuable new information about our own planet.
But in 2011, the space shuttle program ended. The last time the US launched our own astronauts from our own soil was over 5 years ago. We must do better than that!
Countries that are strong explore, invent, and discover to remain resilient in a changing world. I am honored to have played a role in our nation's heritage of explorers as the first woman to command a space shuttle mission, joining the ranks of those that have fought to lead the way.
We are all so proud of our Apollo program that put our astronauts on the Moon: first, in peace, for all mankind. Nations that lead on the frontier, lead in the world. We need that visionary leadership again. Leadership that will inspire the next generation to have that same passion.
We need leadership that will challenge every American to ask, "What's next?" We need leadership that will make America's space program first again. We need leadership that will make America first again. That leader is Donald Trump.
Thank you and God bless the United States of America!
Wehaveliftoff Member
Posts: 2343 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 07-20-2016 08:22 PM
Once again, very vague saying, and based on no specific concrete ways to get there.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-20-2016 08:43 PM
To be fair, Collins wasn't there to deliver (or make) space policy. Her message didn't need to be specific. She urged that a country that leads in space, leads the world.
Chariot412 Member
Posts: 156 From: Lockport, NY, 14094 Registered: Jun 2011
posted 07-20-2016 08:44 PM
What a treat to see this video and Eileen Collins on the national stage this evening.
LM1 Member
Posts: 667 From: New York, NY Registered: Oct 2010
posted 07-21-2016 06:33 AM
I was very happy to see astronaut Eileen Collins at the RNC. Her speech was brief and I did notice that she did not mention Donald Trump. Others also did that last night.
posted 07-21-2016 06:37 AM
A bland, generic and a poorly delievered speech. She sounded nervous and uncomfortable. Collins did take some heat from others about speaking at the RNC, or maybe she was thinking about omitting the Trump line. Granted she is not accustomed to speaking on National TV but in general it was disappointing.
capoetc Member
Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 07-21-2016 08:02 AM
quote:Originally posted by Fra Mauro: A bland, generic and a poorly delivered speech...
Let he or she who has delivered a nationally-televised speech him- or herself cast the first stone.
I thought Colonel Collins' speech was on the mark, and I thought she did a great job. Kudos to her for continuing to support US leadership in space.
posted 07-21-2016 09:31 AM
Also interest to note that Sen. Sessions (Alabama) mentioned the Saturn V, but not the SLS, during the actual nominating process.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-21-2016 10:48 AM
Speaking directly to Collins' remarks, Eric Berger at Ars Technica opines why America is already great in space.
...It does not seem likely that the future of US spaceflight lies in trying to recreate the Apollo moment that culminated 47 years ago with the Apollo 11 Moon landing. That was a phenomenal achievement, but the Cold War is over, and we are never again going to spend 5 percent of the nation's budget on spaceflight to promote American exceptionalism. Moreover, we live in a multipolar world. NASA's most meaningful achievements today are accomplished with the help of international partners. NASA leads, certainly, but it is stronger with other nations at its side.
Here's what Collins really missed on Wednesday night, however. Yes, NASA relies on Russia. But within a couple of years, the country will have not one, but two commercial vehicles providing rides to the space station from US soil, manufactured by SpaceX and Boeing. Despite the bleak picture Collins painted on stage in Cleveland, there is an incredible vibrancy in the US launch industry that the rest of the world is scrambling to catch up to. NASA isn't driving this push to build modern, low-cost rockets — all-American capitalism is.
issman1 Member
Posts: 1042 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
posted 07-21-2016 12:25 PM
Did Ms Collins forget to mention to those assembled or watching that American aerospace wildcards SpaceX had successfully launched its 9th cargo resupply mission to the ISS?
Did she forget that the International Docking Adapter-2 was also aboard that same cargo ship, which will permit SpaceX Dragon 2 and Boeing Starliner to end NASA's sole reliance upon Russia as early as 2017?
As if relying upon Soyuz is a bad thing considering where the future of ISS was after Columbia. Additionally, there was another vehicle capable of going to ISS but because it was Chinese it was never considered because of politics.
Come on Eileen, are you after the soon-to-be vacant NASA administrator's job?
capoetc Member
Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 07-21-2016 01:28 PM
Did she forget those things? I seriously doubt it.
Perhaps (and I cannot know, as I am not close friends with her) she might think that once the ISS is no longer being used and awaiting de-orbit (as of now, I think that is still 2024, but could theoretically be out to 2028 if funded), SpaceX and Boeing might not have anyplace to go.
She is certainly not in the minority among at least former astronauts in expressing, either publicly or privately, some displeasure over the seeming lack of vision regarding the US space program's future.
Regardless, maybe it would be appropriate to cut her some slack. She's paid her dues. She was asked to speak at the Republican convention, and she did, in measured tones and (I thought) in a way that should not raise hackles on the left or right.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-21-2016 03:42 PM
Astronaut Mark Kelly, together with his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, will speak on the third night (Wednesday, July 27) of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, the same evening as President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. From Mark Kelly on Twitter:
Gabby and I are excited to speak at @DemConvention on Wed. about why @HillaryClinton will make our country safer.
Given Kelly's comment, and the work that he and Giffords have been doing since she was the victim of an attempted assassination in 2011, his remarks are not likely to be focused on spaceflight (like Collins' were).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-22-2016 05:10 PM
From SpaceNews' Jeff Foust on Twitter:
Updated Democratic Party platform now has one paragraph about NASA; supports NASA, few details.
The full platform is here. Here is the relevant excerpt:
Pushing beyond the boundaries of what we know is core to who we are as Americans. Democrats are immensely proud of all that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has done — through its achievements in science, technology and exploration — to better understand our place in the universe and inspire and educate generations of young people in this country to pursue careers in science. Space exploration is a reminder that our capacity for curiosity is limitless, and may be matched only by our ability to achieve great things if we work together. Democrats believe in continuing the spirit of discovery that has animated NASA’s exploration of space over the last half century. We will strengthen support for NASA and work in partnership with the international scientific community to launch new missions to space.
posted 07-22-2016 07:35 PM
How to ruin a beautiful thing: mix politics with the space program!
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 07-23-2016 10:12 AM
Sen. Bill Nelson spoke at a rally for Clinton on Friday.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-27-2016 07:57 PM
Mark Kelly spoke tonight (July 27) at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. His remarks did not focus on space, but he highlighted his four flights on the shuttle and his view from space.
From orbit, I saw our planet as a perfect blue marble just floating there in the blackness of space. But I also saw receding glaciers and shrinking rain forests.
Kelly's main comments were on the need to address gun violence in the U.S., which led to his introducing his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.
posted 07-28-2016 08:02 AM
Like nearly every year, we get disappointed at these conventions. If we rely upon Presidential candidates to really support space exploration, we might as well forget the whole idea.
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 867 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 07-28-2016 11:08 AM
quote:Originally posted by Fra Mauro: How to ruin a beautiful thing: mix politics with the space program!
I agree with you, but politics has always been associated with the space program, even so called "New Space."
Pretty much all the major developments in space have either been created, developed or fostered by national governments, which inevitably means dealing with national or international politics. I highly doubt SpaceX would be anywhere near where it is now, both in launching cargo and satellites or development of the Dragon 2 if it weren't for contracts and information it has received from NASA.
issman1 Member
Posts: 1042 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
posted 07-28-2016 01:40 PM
If only Mark Kelly had regurgitated that hashtag #JourneyToMars (of his former employers) to a national TV audience.
Like his fellow shuttle commander, Eileen Collins, it was a missed opportunity to be daring by suggesting the best way forward is a public-private U.S. partnership along the lines of CRS and Commercial Crew.
What the average American voter actually thinks about federal tax dollars being spent on Orion and SLS and where astronauts will go is something that has not even been a discourse for the Clinton or Trump campaigns.
posted 07-14-2016 02:55 AM
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