Lunar News Network

NASA Review Board Questioned

I think this issue (AP - Inspector General: Conflict of interest on NASA review board) should be of concern:

A board set up to review construction of the spaceship to return astronauts to the moon is loaded with employees of the very contractors they are supposed to scrutinize, breaking federal law, a government watchdog says. [...] The board consists of 19 members charged with providing "independent" assessments of the project designed by NASA but built by private firms. However, nearly one-third of them work for those firms. Four of the six contractor employees were also stockholders in companies making money off the NASA project.

This arrangement has the appearance of impropriety and should be corrected to insure public confidence in NASA procedures.

Presidential Space Politics

Wired Science reports on fears that the next president, no matter who wins, may not fully fund or value the space program (Wired News - Presidential Candidates Too Quiet on Space Policy):

But a question that is of increasing concern among space scientists, engineers and supporters is what will the new president's space policy do? For many space voters there is a deep fear that the industry may face yet another deep re-evaluation of priorities, program "deferrals" or cancellations. In my 12 years in the work force I have seen little but that and there has been a huge cost financially, technically, and culturally that we are still bearing.

This report (in contrast to the previously mentioned report), contains one small quote from an actual candidate. Hey, we take what we can get.

Candidates on Space

CNN has a report on where the candidates stand and space policy issues (Candidates and the space race):

One issue the presidential candidates are not saying much about is space exploration. But some scientists, military experts and intelligence analysts say the next president may well determine whether America keeps an edge in space.

The report goes on to note that the candidates have offered few specifics and their lack of vision raises the danger the U.S. leadership in space will fall behind our international competitors. Actually, this report doesn't really tell us much at all about where the candidates stand on space issues. Come on CNN,  you can do better. At least give us a few quotes from the candidates.

Obama To Cut NASA Funding

Space Politics notes a direct exchange at an Obama rally (More on Obama’s Wyoming statement) between the candidate and a space program supporter. Apparently, Obama didn't really answer the question and although he was a bit vague on specifics of what exactly he would do with the human space program, his general position seems to be to defer the shuttle replacement and cut funding for the Moon-Mars program. HT: The World Guardian

Obama on Space

Space Advocates for Obama has been set up to focus attention on Obama's policies on space exploration. HT: Cosmic Log

Space Democrats

Space Democrats is a discussion forum with the stated mission of "defining, advocating and enacting a progressive U.S. space policy." HT: Cosmic Log

Blitzing Politicians

In the latest edition of The Space Review Alex Kirk provides an overview (Blitzing Capitol Hill) of last week's effort by space activists who came to Washington to lobby members of Congress to support the NASA budget at this critical time:

If NASA and its budget—which represents roughly one half of one percent of all federal spending, and little more than 10 percent of the recent hastily-passed economic stimulus package—are to survive the next administration, Congressional support will be critical.

I really think those stats are the key to building and maintaining public support for NASA funding, as I doubt very much that most people are aware of just how small a percentage of the federal budget is devoted to NASA. If you ask people what percentage of the federal government is devoted to NASA and they tell you it's probably around 5%, this provides an opportunity to shock them with the "less than 1%" figure and then you can ask them if they would support a funding increase.

Candidates Views on Science

Happy President's Day! This is the perfect time to blog more on presidential politics. I know, you've probably heard a lot about that by now and maybe you need a break. Well, if this is a holiday weekend for you, then take a break and then come back tomorrow to check out Physics Today, they have a nice review of Where Do They Stand On Science:

In 1976, when Jimmy Carter was running for President against Gerald Ford, science was not high on the political agenda. Physics Today tried to change that by asking the candidates their views on the importance of science advisers, the value of nuclear power in the US energy mix, and the federal government’s role in supporting basic and applied science. The Physics Today political blog continues that 32-year tradition by posting the positions of the current group of candidates on science issues.

You can browse the site by date, by candidate, or by the six questions they asked of the candidates.  This makes for interesting reading. Unfortunately, none of the six questions are specifically about space exploration goals and priorities, so you won't find out if they support the Vision for Space Exploration. Still, it's interesting reading.

Clinton's Position on Space Exploration

If you are a voter interested in science and technology issues, head over to Popular Mechanics and Geek the Vote. They break down major sci-tech issues by candidate so you can find out exactly where they stand. According to their report, Clinton supports the VSE, but the report offers very little in the way of specifics. Would it be fully funded? It's not clear from the information collected by Popular Mechanics.

McCain's Position on Space Exploration

I'm continuing my research on candidates and their positions on space exploration and I've uncovered the following on Senator John McCain's position (Space Ref - John McCain On the Issues: America's Space Program):

John McCain has been a strong supporter of NASA and the space program. He is proud to have sponsored legislation authorizing funding consistent with the President's vision for the space program, which includes a return of astronauts to the Moon in preparation for a manned mission to Mars. He believes support for a continued US presence in space is of major importance to America's future innovation and security. He has also been a staunch advocate for ensuring that NASA funding is accompanied by proper management and oversight to ensure that the taxpayers receive the maximum return on their investment. John McCain believes curiosity and a drive to explore have always been quintessential American traits. This has been most evident in the space program, for which he will continue his strong support.