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Our
Future
in Space
Part 2: Doing what you are best at
To
get around future budget constraints among "old" space
powers
we need a new approach. NASA must revive their pioneering spirit
and focus on what they do best - being pathfinders to new frontiers
-
paving the way for the rest of society and then move on.
"Moon vs. Mars" is often in focus of debate. Moon friends
stress its
economic advantage, Mars friends its scientific advantage. Both
are
true - but we do not need to choose. NASA, being a scientific agency,
should focus on tricky, historymaking ventures like going to Mars.
The Moon, a closer & cheaper target, should be the focus of
private
industry - perhaps with some initial NASA support.
Also, the Earth Observation part of NASA should be separated from
its lunar & planetary outreach. Many U.S. agencies & departments
already use space-based utilities to support their work, including
NOAA & DoD. It's tragic that two highly critical efforts, Earth
Care
and Cosmic Growth, have to battle for the same funds. Both would
benefit from being under separate agencies and budgets.
Space Cooperation or Competition? Continue to Part
3.
|
Earth,
Moon, Mars, Beyond?
We could do it all, but under
separate managements
serving different interests |
