The Next NASA Aministrator…coming soon?

It is looking increasingly likely that former astronaut Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden will be Obama’s choice for NASA administrator. Bolden would be the first African-American to hold that post.

The more important question remains: what’s next for the space program?

New Administrator may be coming...but what will he do?

Many questions

We’re facing a period where America’s next manned space program, Constellation, is “under review.” Will it go forward, and if so, in what form? Will this administration reverse plans to return to the moon and aim (later) for Mars?

What about robotic missions? And the use of private contractors (like SpaceX) for re-supplying the space station? And for possible use delivering people to the International Space Station…after the shuttle is retired?

How will the administration respond to competition in space from, among others, China? The Chinese manned space program is aiming for the moon. Will the next moon walker be from China?

Carrying out policy

Reportedly, Bolden is a big fan of manned spaceflight and a supporter of the Constellation program. But, he’ll need to carry out whatever policy Obama orders—even if that includes reduction or elimination of Constellation. The two men are expected to meet Sunday to discuss things.