posted 03-05-2004 10:09 AM               

He was testifying before a committee that cannot change the space policy but could recommend restoring funding for other areas of interest.

While he didn't grab similar headlines, Dr. Lennard A. Fisk, chairman of the Space Studies Board of the National Academy of Sciences expressed similar concerns to Glenn's. "You need a healthy science program because the science program produces results for NASA that people want to see," Fisk testified. "The broader science program is what creates in people's minds the idea that things are happening in NASA that are good things. If you want to wait for 30 years for things to happen on the moon, no one may notice." (quote courtesy the Houston Chronicle)

While Glenn is certainly an outspoken Democrat and therefore some politics may be at play, it is also a valid concern that science disciplines outside life studies are being left behind in the wake of pushing towards the Moon. Similar objections have been raised elsewhere about the cancellation of the next Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission, as it is seen that astronomical research is also taking a back seat to the new initiative.

Personally, I think many of these concerns could be answered by opening the ISS to more commercial activities -- allowing scientists to partner with corporations and/or universities to buy space aboard the station for their own science experiments, but that is a separate debate.

Further, I think that the short term sacrifice of some science is justified if it means a stronger foothold can be established in the solar system via the Moon.

Glenn reportedly also addressed the concern about spending money going to the Moon to establish a launch base for continuing to Mars, as was suggested in the President's vision. There are many reasons to go the Moon now, but if you are looking for a less expensive launch base for trips outward, several of the Lagrange Points might be better justified. Or as the Mars Society and others have advocated, a direct mission from Earth to Mars might also be more economical.

posted 03-07-2004 09:10 PM               

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Originally posted by Fra Mauro:
I couldn't beleive Glenn when I heard him a few weeks ago on the news really coming out against the space intiaitve. I guess being a politician is more importan to him than NASA.Too bad, he could have been a cheerkeader for extra fundinf in the Senate and to the public.

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posted 03-08-2004 09:54 AM               

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Originally posted by Rob Joyner:
It's a shame that politics have to play such a big part in scientific funding and agendas....

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Unfortunately, politics have to play a part since it is the tax payer that pays for these programs and the legislators elected by these same tax payers who approve the budgets set forth by the president.

Just a fact of life. But in order to get willing support from the public P.R. & politics is important. Taxpayers need to be included in the project and convinced of its worth. Ignoring or talking down to the tax payer risks offendnig them and turning them against the idea of exploration.

And it looks as though Kerry/Glenn are already engaged in the debate in a negative way with regard to the new exploration initiative.

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...But I think as long as the Chinese have the Moon in their sights, the U.S. will also.
We Americans seem to love a good race... [/B]

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This may have something to do with it, but I'm not convinced that it really does. Since its a race we've already won, why should repeat it saying, "o.k. best 2 out of 3 really wins this time?"

I think it should have a new thrust. For the sake of exploration and increasing the human presence in the universe, albeit by a simple toe hold.

I will agree that the attention given to the Moon by China certainly helps to open the door to this disucssion.

By the way, it's not just China and the U.S. who have their eyes set on the moon, by the way:
http://www.space.com/spacenews/businessmonday_040301.html

posted 03-08-2004 11:41 AM               

-chet

posted 03-08-2004 11:49 AM               

There are plenty of political websites where forums such as this one exist for debating the party lines -- collectSPACE need not be one of them.

Research is continuing on the ISS, regardless of whether you support the new policy or disagree. The debate is whether U.S. science should be limited only to the life sciences.

Likewise, we may all agree that going to the Moon is a good idea, yet still disagree as to what we should do once we get there.

posted 03-08-2004 06:43 PM               

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Originally posted by ejectr:
Fussion reactors my friends...and the moon has an abundance of what they use. Hydrogen 3.

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posted 03-08-2004 08:02 PM               

I had hydrogen powered autos on my mind as I wrote that....

posted 03-08-2004 08:58 PM               

To make amends in a small way, I'll say this: Republicans are pretty good at pouring taxpayer money down ratholes too.
(My little contribution to bi-partisanship)!