posted 07-15-2010 12:10 PM               

Key Senate panel passes new blueprint for NASA

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation today passed a bipartisan spending plan for NASA that extends the space shuttle program well into next year and advances the date for future human flight in a newly developed spacecraft to 2016 from a 2025 target-date initially proposed by the administration.

The Senate bill, in substantial part the work of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, lays out a direction for NASA for at least the next three years. Nelson, a Democrat, is chairman of the Commerce Committee's space subcommittee and a former space shuttle crew member.

The legislation provides over a billion dollars to support a White House proposal to fund development of commercial space ventures. At the same time it emphasizes a NASA-led project to develop the next generation of big rockets that will carry future space ships and crews into orbit where they'll be launched toward Mars and elsewhere. The bill directs NASA to start development immediately rather than waiting until 2015 to begin.

"The goal was to preserve U.S. leadership in space exploration and keep as much of the rocket-industry talent as possible employed," said Nelson, following Thursday's unanimous approval of the authorization bill.

In broad terms, the legislation extends the space shuttle for another year and keeps much of the KSC workforce in place. It advances heavy-lift rocket development, with an eye toward manned flights nearly a decade earlier than 2025, as had been proposed by the White House. It also provides the money for operating the International Space Station through 2020. And, it bolsters commercial space ventures by allocating about $1.6 billion for development in the next three years.

The bill marked a rarity in the nation's Capitol these days: the devising of a plan that attracted unanimous bipartisan support. Key members of both parties in Congress ended up backing the bill, as did the White House. The bill now goes to the full Senate.

Following is a more detailed summary:

The bill would authorize NASA appropriations for FY 2011-2013 with the same top-line budget values as the President's request to Congress. The bill would support an overall growth in science, aeronautics, and space technology and define a long-term goal for human space flight to expand a permanent human presence beyond low-Earth orbit. Key objectives of this goal would include full utilization of the International Space Station (ISS), determining the ability of humans to live in space for extended periods of time, maximizing the role of space exploration and technology in current and future missions, advancing knowledge and inspiring young people into higher education, and building upon international partnerships.

Human Space Flight. The bill would:

• Couple human space flight efforts to national and global needs and challenges;
  
• Provide a sustainable exploration program to incorporate new technologies and in-space capabilities;
  
• Require immediate development of a heavy-lift capability and continued support of an exploration crew vehicle to be capable of supporting missions beyond low-Earth orbit starting in 2016; and
  
• Support a sound performance and cost framework by maximizing use, where possible, of the workforce, assets, and capabilities of the Space Shuttle, Constellation, and other NASA programs.

Space Technology. The bill would:

• Invest in exploration technologies and robotic capabilities that are tied to the overall exploration framework and support U.S. innovation and competitiveness.

Commercial Cargo and Crew. The bill would:

• Continue to support commercial cargo development and provide additional funds to meet launch infrastructure requirements and accelerate development activity; and
  
• Expand the Commercial Crew Development Program in 2011 for concept development and supporting activities, while requiring a number of studies to ensure effective oversight of the potential initiation of a commercial crew capability procurement program no earlier than 2012.

International Space Station. The bill would:

• Extend the ISS to at least 2020 to support international and commercial collaboration and growth, research, and technology development to maximize the scientific return on the significant investment in the ISS;
  
• Establish an independent non-profit to work with NASA to fully develop the ISS U.S. segment as a National Laboratory; and
  
• Require an assessment of ISS requirements for parts and equipment needed to ensure its full functionality through 2020.

Shuttle Retirement and final "Launch on Need" Mission. The bill would:

• Authorize an additional Shuttle flight, contingent on a safety review, to provide necessary support for the extension of the ISS.

Science and Aeronautics. The bill would:

• Protect a balanced portfolio for NASA, including full funding of aeronautics and Earth and space science.

Education. The bill would:

• Support new education initiatives, such as teacher training programs, to reinforce NASA's role in developing a workforce with strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills; and
  
• Increase the investment in NASA EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) and NASA Space Grant program.

Rescoping and Revitalizing Institutional Capabilities. The bill would:

• Require NASA to examine alternative management models for NASA's workforce, centers, and capabilities, while enforcing short-term prohibitions on major center displacements and reductions-in-force until the study is completed.

posted 07-15-2010 12:40 PM               

Committee Approves Hutchison Cosponsored Bill to Preserve America's Human Spaceflight Capabilities

Senate Press Conference on NASA Reauthorization Bill

posted 07-15-2010 04:29 PM               

Coalition Commends Committee’s Passage of NASA Plan

The Coalition for Space Exploration (Coalition) commends the action taken today by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to authorize a nonpartisan spending plan for NASA.

The legislation is an important, positive measure for our nation’s space exploration program that demonstrates fiscal responsibility, maximizes goals of the program and offers commitment to current workforce resources.

The Coalition applauds the committee for acknowledging the strong support of the American people for a robust space exploration program, and for providing the needed leadership to ensure a balanced approach to meeting our nation’s goals in space.

posted 07-15-2010 07:14 PM               

On the plus side, a shuttle-derived HLV can be developed sooner and at a lower development cost than other proposals using liquid hydrocarbon fuel engines.

posted 07-15-2010 08:13 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Spacefest:
What happens now?

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The authorization bill goes to the full Senate, although it’s not clear when they will be willing to take it up. However, in the near term it appears that the legislation will serve as a model for appropriators: next week a subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee will mark up the FY11 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill.

posted 07-16-2010 05:40 AM            

I was astonished by Mrs. Hutchison's claim to the assembled press that the commercial sector possess none of the "expertise" of NASA (they must be gobsmacked at SpaceX).

The great irony is that NASA will still be reliant upon Russia till at least 2016 and "the gap" does not lessen.

posted 07-16-2010 05:51 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by issman1:
The great irony is that NASA will still be reliant upon Russia till at least 2016 and "the gap" does not lessen.

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The bill includes provisions for procurement of commercial launch services "no earlier than 2012" subject to safety reviews but even so, 2012 is earlier than 2016.

And continuing on the subject of 'what happens now,' the same SpacePolitics.com entry referenced above includes:

...commercial space supporters in the Commerce committee hinted that they may make another effort to restore funding for commercial crew when the authorization bill is taken up by the full Senate. "As we move to the floor, I'm going to be teaming up with some colleagues who would like to see a little more done on the commercial side, so we'll all work together and maybe we can get that done," Sen. Boxer said during the markup. "I know it's been a challenging process, I know the Administration has been working with us and others as well who are advocates of commercial space, and I think there may be even more room to go," said Sen. Warner.

quote:

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Originally posted by issman1:
...concepts like Falcon 9 Heavy or Atlas 5 Heavy?

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posted 07-16-2010 11:44 AM               

...the Federal Government shall acquire space transportation services from United States commercial providers whenever such services are required in the course of its activities. To the maximum extent practicable, the Federal Government shall plan missions to accommodate the space transportation services capabilities of United States commercial providers.

posted 07-16-2010 12:16 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by capoetc:
It doesn't marginalize any private company -- private companies are free to develop products and market them, including to NASA.

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This new bipartisan plan, while far from perfect, in my opinion offers hope for the future, unlike the President's proposal. It also treats the prospect of a commercial orbital carrier much more realistically.

posted 07-17-2010 01:58 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by DChudwin:
On the negative side, the recurring costs for a shuttle-derived HLV will be higher and solid rocket motors will never be as safe as liquid fuel engines, which can be shut down.

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A lot of concerns have been raised about the SRBs in place of liquid engines, but historical shuttle data and testing of Ares I-X has shown me that they are still a good approach for a new booster. Sure they can't be shut down, but at the same time they aren't as likely to prematurely shut down since they have much fewer moving parts then a liquid engine. It took STS-51L to highlight some of the design problems with the original shuttle SRB field joint design, but those were dealt with. Since that time, the shuttle SRB safety record has spoken for itself with success after success.

posted 07-17-2010 03:26 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by issman1:
But a certain private company has successfully flown its "product" from the same location, with more to follow.

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But yes, SpaceX and Orbital plan to launch their crewed vehicles from Kennedy. This bill doesn't put a stop to either company (or Boeing, Lockheed, etc.) from doing so. Nor does it prohibit NASA from procuring commercial launch services -- as that would be counter to existing law -- so long as (a) the launch vehicles meet safety standards, and (b) the space agency waits until at least 2012.

posted 07-17-2010 03:43 PM               

I'm glad to see STS-135 has been finalized.

I agree with D. Chudwin about our continued dependence on shuttle derived technology puts us at a disadvantage. So much ground support equipment is in place at KSC. We almost have to go with a shuttle derived HLV. I also would prefer to use liquid fuel engines.

'Nothing good ever comes out of a committee' is an old adage. I'm glad to be proved wrong.

I thought for sure that Orion would die during development.

This bill isn't the best but let's support it. Life is full of compromises let's make the best of it.

posted 07-19-2010 05:51 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Apollo Redux:
More vagueness is what this is. Nothing changes.

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Orion has been preserved, and a heavy-lift rocket will be designed instead of merely "considered at some future date".

This action retains the aspect of commercializing human access to space while preserving options for future Administrations.

posted 07-19-2010 06:27 PM               

I'd like to see some tangible and substantial progress in NASA's post-shuttle efforts, but just like up here - when politicians start talking and drafting "Bills", the only thing that is guaranteed are the weathervanes getting a severe workout.

posted 07-19-2010 06:42 PM               

Committee Releases Legislative Text of NASA Reauthorization Bill

Today, Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) is releasing the legislative text of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010. The bill is co-sponsored by Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Chairwoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), and Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Ranking Member Pete Olson (R-TX).

Furthermore, the Chairman has also announced the Committee intends to notice a mark up for Thursday, July 22nd at 10:00 AM in 2318 Rayburn House Office Building to consider this legislation.

"This is a bipartisan bill that embraces many of the president's goals for our space program while also ensuring that we have an executable and fiscally responsible plan," stated Gordon.

The overall funding for NASA in the legislation is at the president's requested level for each of the fiscal years 2011-15. It provides for a balanced set of NASA activities in science, aeronautics, and human space flight and exploration. It funds science and aeronautics above the president's proposed levels; it authorizes a new Space Technology program to develop innovative and transformational technologies and funds it at the president's requested level; it provides more than $4.9 billion in funding for commercial crew- and commercial cargo-related initiatives; it extends the International Space Station program to at least 2020 and adds funding for ISS research and for a ground- and space-based life and physical sciences microgravity research program; it funds the Space Shuttle program at the president's requested level and adds funds to aid the Shuttle workforce and affected communities with the post-Shuttle transition; it funds NASA's education programs at the president's requested level and seeks to enhance the contribution of NASA's existing programs to STEM goals; and it restructures NASA's exploration program to allow it to continue to make meaningful progress under a constrained budget, directing NASA to develop a crew transportation system that will both minimize the post-Shuttle human space flight "gap" and directly support the expeditious development of a heavy lift launch vehicle and capsule to enable challenging crewed missions beyond low Earth orbit.

"For too long, the tasks NASA has been asked to undertake haven't been matched to available resources. We are facing tough economic times that demand tough choices. We can't do it all. This bill makes those choices and provides the nation with a credible, sustainable, and worthy space and aeronautics program," concluded Gordon.

posted 07-20-2010 11:11 AM               

SpaceX Applauds Breakthrough Compromise in U.S. Senate on NASA Budget

SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies) applauds the efforts of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for their unanimous, bipartisan approval of the NASA Authorization Act of 2010. This landmark legislation ushers in a new era in human spaceflight by embracing the commercial sector as a full partner and recognizing commercial crew services as the primary means of astronaut transport to the International Space Station (ISS).

"We are pleased that the Senate Commerce Committee has recognized that the best and only near-term option for eliminating America's reliance on the Russian Soyuz for astronaut transportation is the development and use of commercial systems, such as SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft" said Elon Musk, CEO & CTO, SpaceX. "For the about the same amount that is currently being spent on purchasing seats on Russian launch vehicles, we can create thousands of high-tech, high-paying jobs right here at home."

In 2010, NASA will pay the Russian Space Agency $287.4 million for 6 seats on Russian Soyuz flights, which amounts to $47.9 million per seat. By 2013, the price per seat paid to Russia to carry U.S. astronauts will exceed $55 million.

Though it provides less funding than the President's request, the new legislation provides $312 million in FY11 funding for the development of American commercial systems to transport crew to the ISS. SpaceX is one of several companies currently developing commercial crew technology funded by NASA, including Nevada-based Sierra Nevada Corporation, Illinois-based Boeing Company, Colorado-based United Launch Alliance, Washington-based Blue Origin, Nevada-based Bigelow Aerospace, and Arizona-based Paragon Space Development Corporation.

SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon spacecraft test article in June 2010, meeting 100% of mission objectives on its first attempt. The first demonstration flight with a fully operational Dragon spacecraft is targeted for late summer 2010. This flight will be the first under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program which was established in 2006 to encourage private companies to develop commercial space transport capabilities. SpaceX currently employs over 1,100 people across California, Texas and Florida.

posted 07-20-2010 11:24 AM               

Although the bill supports elements of Obama's plan, including a plan to continue flying the space station through at least 2020 and a space technology program designed to spur innovation, it rebuffs the White House proposal to cancel Constellation and rely on commercially owned and operated vehicles to send astronaut crews to the orbiting outpost. It also contrasts with companion legislation approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee July 15, touted as a compromise by its authors, that provides $1.3 billion for commercial crew initiatives over the next three years.

...Obama directed NASA to settle on a heavy-lift launcher design by 2015. The Senate bill calls for a heavy-lift vehicle and deep space capsule to be fully operational by the end of 2016; the House bill would give NASA six months from the date of enactment to select a launch vehicle design and sets a goal of fielding the rocket by "the end of the current decade."

...According to the bill text, commercial crew programs would get just $50 million annually through 2015 and another $500 million over that same time period via direct government loans or loan guarantees. Although the bill fully funds the $4.2 billion sought for routine commercial cargo resupply runs to the space station starting in 2011, it reduces the president's $312 million request for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Service (COTS) program next year to just $14 million. The Senate version provided $300 million for the agency's COTS providers in 2011.

...Unlike the Senate bill, the House measure does not call for an additional shuttle mission to the space station, though it does fund a shuttle work force transition program and requires NASA to initiate a detailed study of space station cargo resupply needs and capabilities through 2020. It also directs NASA to study options for deploying a variable-gravity centrifuge to the space station and develop a strategic plan for life and microgravity sciences research aboard the orbiting outpost.

posted 07-21-2010 08:00 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by issman1:
I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

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posted 07-21-2010 10:15 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by issman1:
Is the US House of Representatives trying to outdo, outfox or outwit the US Senate in compromises?

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posted 07-21-2010 11:10 AM               

Nearly a half century ago, President Kennedy explained, "The exploration of space... is one of the great adventures of all time. Our leadership in science and industry, our hopes for peace and security, our obligations to ourselves as well as others, all require us to make this effort, to solve theses mysteries, to solve them for the good of all, and become the world's leading space-faring nation."

This past week, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Rockefeller passed a bi-partisan Authorization bill for NASA for FY 2011- 2013 that does much to maintain President Kennedy's vision and align the agency with its original charter. Led by Senators Nelson, Hutchison and Vitter, the bill was passed unanimously confirming the committee's commitment to the importance of United States space leadership.

This week, Chairman Gordon of the House Committee on Science and Technology released his Committee's version of the NASA Reauthorization Bill. Cosponsored by Committee Ranking Member Hall, Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairwoman Giffords and Space and Aeronautics Ranking Member Olson, the bill reflects the Committee's belief of those plan components necessary to assure a worthy national space and aeronautics program.

Each of these pending bills represent tremendous progress relative to our concerns expressed earlier to the Congress, and we hope that you will continue that progress as you prepare to adopt your NASA spending plan for FY 2011, and fully fund NASA at the requested level, as your House counterparts have done. We recognize that there are differences yet to be resolved. However, we are encouraged that these actions in both Houses of Congress have set the stage for our country's future in space.

We commend all those who worked so diligently on these bills and thank you for your valuable personal leadership.

posted 07-22-2010 02:00 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Matt T:
I personally won't mourn the loss of a needless shuttle mission being flown for the sake of window-dressing, nor the loss of free money for the commercial sector

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You may not "mourn the loss" but I'm sure many in NASA and the ISS programme want STS-135 to happen.

posted 07-22-2010 08:03 AM               

The NASA funding measure is part of a broader $60 billion spending bill that also funds the Commerce and Justice departments. The full Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to take up the bill July 22...

Details of the spending package were not made available during the mark-up, though subcommittee staff members said afterward the measure fully funds NASA’s $312 million request for its Commercial Orbital Space Transportation (COTS) program next year but provides only half of the $500 million the agency is seeking for a new program meant to foster development of commercial crew taxis capable of ferrying astronauts to the international space station.

The bill also includes $1.9 billion to initiate development of a new heavy-lift launch vehicle in 2011, a significant departure from U.S. President Barack Obama’s proposal to wait until 2015 to settle on a design for the nation’s next heavy lifter and start building it. Under the budget plan the president sent Congress in February, NASA would invest $3 billion in heavy lift research and other propulsion technologies over the next five years, starting with $560 million in 2011.

posted 07-22-2010 04:08 PM               

Kosmas Successful in Fight for Additional Shuttle Mission

Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24), during a meeting of the House Science & Technology Committee, successfully amended the House NASA Reauthorization Bill to add an additional Shuttle mission to the current manifest, minimizing the spaceflight gap by extending the life of the Shuttle program through at least June of 2011. Kosmas' action will help ease the transition for the Space Coast and slow the loss of jobs in order to protect the highly skilled workforce.

Kosmas' amendment comes a day after the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science approved funding for the additional flight, which is currently designated as "launch on need" only. With support now from both the House and Senate, the additional Shuttle launch is likely to move forward.

"Providing for an additional Shuttle flight is a major success in our fight to minimize the human spaceflight gap and preserve our highly skilled workforce on the Space Coast," said Suzanne Kosmas. "This extension of the Shuttle program will help protect jobs while giving us more time to diversify our economy and provide new opportunities for Space Coast workers."

Last year, Kosmas took action to eliminate the hard deadline for Shuttle retirement and provide funding in the budget for 2011, which has allowed the program to be extended. Kosmas also added a measure today to the House NASA Reauthorization bill to determine what parts will be required to meet the needs of the five year extension of the International Space Station and if those parts can only be delivered through additional Shuttle missions.

During the committee meeting, Kosmas fought for additional changes to the House NASA bill that would bring the legislation more in line with a bipartisan proposal (HR 4804) offered by Kosmas and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), but committee members did not adopt her amendments to increase funding for technology demonstration and commercial crew development. Much of what was proposed by Kosmas and Hutchison was included in the Senate's NASA Reauthorization bill, authored by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), which passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation last week.

"While the Senate compromise comes much closer to the goals outlined in our bipartisan plan for NASA and strikes a better balance in terms of continuing the development of a NASA-led vehicle while supporting the growth of the commercial spaceflight industry, it was important to move the process forward in the House today," said Kosmas. "What matters most at this point is quickly signing into law a NASA bill that protects our workforce, minimizes the gap, and maintains America's global leadership in space exploration. I will continue working with Sen. Nelson, Sen. Hutchison and my colleagues in both houses to work out the differences and finalize a plan that keeps NASA strong and ensures a bright future for the Space Coast."

The NASA reauthorization process is expected to continue into the fall.

posted 07-22-2010 09:56 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Matt T:
If they can do it and turn a profit then do it. If not then they're not really a commercial sector are they?

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posted 07-22-2010 10:16 PM               

Committee Approves Three-Year Authorization That Sets Realistic, Sustainable Path for NASA

The House Committee on Science and Technology approved H.R. 5781, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, by a voice vote with broad bipartisan support.

"This bill makes the hard choices," said Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN). "We are in tough economic times, and we cannot do it all. While I believe it is important that NASA remain a multi-mission agency with challenging initiatives in science, aeronautics, and human space flight and exploration, I also want to ensure that NASA's missions are matched to available resources. As a result, some of the 'nice-to-haves' have had to be deferred, and worthy activities have been funded at lower levels than some of us would like. Nevertheless, I think the legislation before us sets a clear, sustainable, and executable path for NASA, especially in the area of human space flight."

"We stand at a crossroad for America's space program," said co-sponsor and Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Chairwoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). "We will create our own path with changes we make today and I know that what will emerge will produce an executable and sustainable program that will get us exploring the heavens again soon. The clock is ticking, and it is important that Congress complete its work on the NASA reauthorization so that the nation's space program can once again have a clear direction."

The bill authorizes NASA's Science and Aeronautics programs above the president's proposed levels and, in line with the president's request, reinvigorates the agency's commitment to developing innovative and transformational technologies. The bill funds NASA's education programs at the president's requested level and seeks to enhance the contribution of NASA's existing programs to STEM goals.

The authorization extends the International Space Station program to at least 2020 and adds funding for ISS research and for a ground- and space-based life and physical sciences microgravity research program. As amended, it provides contingent authorization for an additional space shuttle mission beyond the current manifest; in addition, it adds funds to aid the Shuttle workforce and affected communities with the post-Shuttle transition.

The bill restructures NASA's exploration program. It directs NASA to develop a crew transportation system that will both minimize the post-Shuttle human space flight "gap" and directly support the expeditious development of a heavy lift launch vehicle and capsule to enable challenging crewed missions beyond low Earth orbit.

"The Constellation program that we know is unexecutable with the funds that have been--and are likely to be--appropriated," said Gordon. "We have created a balanced, sustainable exploration program that will allow NASA to live within its means. The new program builds on the investment and advancements already made in the Constellation program and will provide an exciting and productive program that will be paced by available funding."

The bill, as introduced, provides more than $4.9 billion over five years in funding for commercial crew- and commercial cargo-related initiatives, including $4.1 billion for the Commercial Resupply Services contracts. It also includes $500 million in Loans and Loan Guarantees and $250 million in commercial crew transportation-related activities.

"We are providing a reasonable commitment to commercial crew- and cargo-related activities, in light of the state of the industry and the funds we have available," said Gordon. "The loans and loan guarantees in particular will help NASA leverage a limited budget. We want to support the advancement of a new industry; however, we cannot be dependent on yet-to-be-developed commercial crew systems for U.S. access to the ISS and low Earth orbit, lest we make the would-be commercial providers 'too big to fail,' before we have proof that they can succeed."

The Committee adopted 23 amendments.

"The bipartisan nature of this bill sends an important message to Congress as a whole, as well as to the Administration, that NASA is a national resource worthy of our support," said Gordon. "I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues, especially Senator Nelson, to send a sustainable, executable plan to the president's desk."

posted 07-28-2010 05:23 PM               

Now it seems that Constellation, or whatever it's called now, may survive, Ares V, Orion (full sized) etc. Did I read this right?

posted 07-28-2010 05:37 PM               

The committee also included $1.9 billion to begin development of a new heavy-lift launch vehicle (not necessary Ares V but to be based on shuttle-derived technologies) in 2011 as well as $1.1 billion for Orion -- the crew exploration model rather than the earlier proposed crew return version, with the goal of flying by 2016.

The Senate committee only provided funding for one more space shuttle mission, contingent on a safety review. The space shuttle program is still expected to come to an end in 2011.

(Shuttle program layoffs have already begun, with 1,400 USA employees learning this week that Oct. 1 will be their last day.)