Posted by Ray Katz in Mars, NASA, current, moon
Obama administration to decide on future of Americans in space
Reportedly, the Obama administration is ordering a review of America’s manned space program to determine how to proceed.
NASA: Back to the moon, or perhaps not
What next…if anything?
Everything is being questioned. Just last month, contracts for preliminary designs for the new lunar lander (Altair) and the new moon rocket (Ares V) were put on hold.
Will the shuttles be used longer and not retired next year? Will the entire Constellation program—new lunar and Mars capable spacecraft—be canceled?
Former CEO to lead study
All of this will be affected by a study expected to be headed by a former CEO of Lockheed Martin, Norman Augustine. Mr. Augustine was also once headed up the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, an industry association.
In any case, NASA is currently underfunded for Constellation and, as of now, if there’s no increase in funding, there will be no return to the moon. At least, not by Americans.
