NASA's moon plan too ambitious, Obama panel says

[Chris_]

NASA's moon plan too ambitious, Obama panel says

WASHINGTON -- NASA doesn't have nearly enough money to meet its goal of putting astronauts back on the moon by 2020 -- and it might be the wrong place to go, anyway. That's one of the harsh messages emerging from a sweeping review of NASA's human space flight program.

The Human Space Flight Plans Committee, appointed by President Barack Obama and headed by retired aerospace executive Norman Augustine, has been trying to stitch together some kind of plausible strategy for America's manned space program. The panel has struggled to find options that stay under the current budget and include missions worthy of the cost and effort.

The committee members will meet with administration officials Friday and will report that there is no realistic way to get Americans back on the moon by the target date of 2020, which has been the agency's goal since President George W. Bush signed off on the ``Vision for Space Exploration'' in 2004. Landing on the moon by 2020 would require such drastic budgetary maneuvers as de-orbiting the International Space Station -- crashing it into the South Pacific -- in 2016.

Is anyone shocked that Uncle Eg0 wants to kill another project started by President Bush?  If it's good for the country, it ain't gonna happen on his watch during his reign.

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[DumbAss Tanker]

After Porkulus, Medical Care non-Reform, Cap-and-Trade, and investing massively in Afghan nation-building to fight the 'Good' war, the only thing that actually WOULD be feasible within the budget available to NASA would be skyrockets.  And not the big ones, either, you crazy spendthrift engineers, those ones that come in packages of a dozen.

[Chris_]

After Porkulus, Medical Care non-Reform, Cap-and-Trade, and investing massively in Afghan nation-building to fight the 'Good' war, the only thing that actually WOULD be feasible within the budget available to NASA would be skyrockets.  And not the big ones, either, you crazy spendthrift engineers, those ones that come in packages of a dozen.

Strike 1, Ooooobama did not start this program, so he can't take credit for it.
Strike 2, Bush started it, so he can't take credit for it.
Strike 3, He won't be in office when it is completed (unless he can re-write the COTUS which is unlikely given his present unpopularity), so he can't take credit for it.

[DumbAss Tanker]

Strike 1, Ooooobama did not start this program, so he can't take credit for it.
Strike 2, Bush started it, so he can't take credit for it.
Strike 3, He won't be in office when it is completed (unless he can re-write the COTUS which is unlikely given his present unpopularity), so he can't take credit for it.

"This is the failed space program I inherited!"

[djones520]

Whatcho talking about Lug?  Bush started a couple of policies that Obama's already claimed credit for.

[Chris_]

Whatcho talking about Lug?  Bush started a couple of policies that Obama's already claimed credit for.

Yeah, pesky facts won't stop him.

[ironhorsedriver]

I'm really disappointed on this one. The US has always been in the forefront of Space Exploration. I guess by the time Obama's through, we'll just have to hope China and India will share their info with us.

[Gratiot]

NASA has become a transition problem for Obama

NASA administrator Mike Griffin is not cooperating with President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team, is obstructing its efforts to get information and has told its leader that she is “not qualified” to judge his rocket program, the Orlando Sentinel has learned.

In a heated 40-minute conversation last week with Lori Garver, a former NASA associate administrator who heads the space transition team, a red-faced Griffin demanded to speak directly to Obama, according to witnesses.

In addition, Griffin is scripting NASA employees and civilian contractors on what they can tell the transition team and has warned aerospace executives not to criticize the agency’s moon program, sources said.

Griffin’s resistance is part of a no-holds-barred effort to preserve the Constellation program, the delayed and over-budget moon rocket that is his signature project.

Orlando Sentinel

Perhaps an understandable reaction   

Unfortunately, Obama and Griffin are politicizing issues that shouldn't be.  There have been numerous articles as of late about a not so silent revolt within NASA, much to Griffin's dismay.  Criticizing his "pet design" versus what's considered a cheaper, more efficient, and proven design.  Along with his stern rebuking of those involved.

[ironhorsedriver]

According to the Rueters report, they only are shy 3 billion to build both shuttle replacements and rockets for a return to the moon. I know that's a lot of money, yet Obama is going to end up spending 4 billion on cash for clunkers.

[JohnnyReb]

According to the Rueters report, they only are shy 3 billion to build both shuttle replacements and rockets for a return to the moon. I know that's a lot of money, yet Obama is going to end up spending 4 billion on cash for clunkers.

....and don't forget that 4 1/2 billion that ACORN controls that we won't even get a splinter of usefulness from.

[AllosaursRus]

All I can say is.........oh forget it! That many four letter words would likely smoke the server!