Obama's Space Policy

[Dustoff262]

Obama set to delay moon-Mars missions after all
posted by Mark Matthews on Jan 16, 2008 9:05:57 AM

WASHINGTON -- The successor to the space shuttle would face an uncertain future -- and an unclear mission -- if U.S. Sen. Barack Obama becomes president, according to campaign sources and documents.

The Illinois Democrat would continue developing NASA’s next spacecraft but would postpone, by five years, missions to the moon and Mars. NASA’s current schedule aims to return astronauts to the moon by 2020.

The campaign tried to clarify its position Tuesday after it released a space policy last week that seemed to contradict an earlier position by Obama.

In that new policy, Obama pledged to reduce the gap between the 2010 retirement of the shuttle and the first mission of Constellation, its successor program, now slated for 2015.

The new stance appeared to conflict with a previous Obama plan that would raid the Constellation budget to help pay for education reform set. That plan also called for delaying Constellation by five years.

But campaign sources said Obama would not delay the development Constellation, only later stages of the mission that would send astronauts to the moon and Mars.

However, it’s unclear what that policy would mean for NASA and Constellation, as the moon-Mars plan was the underlying reason President Bush pushed for the development of Constellation.

Plus, raiding the Constellation budget would not cover even a third of the $72 billion Obama needs for his education plan in a prospective first term.

Last year, NASA estimated it would spend about $23 billion on Constellation between 2009 and 2012; Obama has called for $18 billion annually for education reform.

To cover the difference, the campaign has outlined a plan to reduce government waste and regain a "small portion of the savings associated with fighting the war in Iraq," which Obama opposes.

What this means politically is another question.

NASA employees and contractors in sites such as Kennedy Space Center in Florida depend on spacecraft missions to continue. It’s unclear how this new position would affect KSC workers, who already face the loss of thousands of jobs as NASA transitions from shuttle to Constellation.

The move may also cost Obama the support of Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, a fellow Democrat who said recently that his endorsement depends, in part, on a candidate’s space position.

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The real reason Obama doesnt want to fund a space mission to Mars. He claims to have already found water on it.

[Rhino]

The campaign tried to clarify its position Tuesday after it released a space policy last week that seemed to contradict an earlier position by Obama.

So Obama is doing like McCain, who is doing like Kerry...

Once again, the line between the parties blurs.

[TXCharlie]

Friggin short-sighted idiot - The Space program and Military program spinoffs have been responsible in one way or another for the development of nearly all of the hi-tech gadgets that we take for granted today, even if you don't care about space sciences.

His oil policy sucks and is full of contradictions too:

• On one hand he says "Increased drilling [which John McCain is in favor of, in addition to solar, nuclear, wind, etc] will do no good for the oil shortage because it will take 5-10 years for the oil to reach the gas pumps".

• Then on the other hand, he says "John McCain has no long-term energy policy". Didn't he just accuse drilling of being a long-term policy?

• The damn retard is also against John McCain's wanting to offer a $300 million prize to any person or company that develops a battery technology capable of eliminating the need for gasoline to power our cars, calling it a gimmick.

• He's also against building more nuclear power plants to power all those electric cars - Yet he's in favor of electric cars - Well what the hell is he gonna use to fuel the new electric power plants that would be required for all those electric cars, cow farts?

Make up your damn mind why you're against everything that doesn't involve welfare, handouts, increasing taxes, and making Greenpeace happy, you blubbering idiot!!!

[Dustoff262]

We have the same problem with out Mayor Bloomduche. LMAO. I hope people see through the media's infatuation with this Ivy Leaguer's talent for hypnotizing people with fancy speeches.

[Xiphos]

He's gonna win and we're all gonna get raped by the government and the economy is going to tank. The only good news is that if Jimmy Carter begat Ronald Reagan, Obama will more than ressurect conservatism in US politics.

[CTR man]

That is if he doesn't kill us first.

[lewisipso]

Once again, the line between the parties blurs.

You are more correct than you think.

[lewisipso]

He's gonna win and we're all gonna get raped by the government and the economy is going to tank.

Yes he is and may God have mercy on us all.

[TXCharlie]

I don't know about that - some of the polls of Obama vs McCain looked encouraging, if erratic. I think we''ll see the polls firming up after the debates.

Please God, someone give the old man a shot of Red Bull and vodka before the debates to loosen him up!

[Dustoff262]

It depends on who McCain picks as VP. If he gets Bobby Jindal, he may actually neutralize the "Ooooh... I have to vote for the color guy" novelty. Jindal brings executive experience as a Governor, youth, wit and he is better to listen to than McCain. It doesnt matter who Obama picks as VP. He is the x factor, and his pick for VP is just a formality.

McCain is a lil bit behind in the poles, but all he really has to do for now, is let Obama talk and talk. Eventually, Obama has the taste of leather in his mouth.

If Israel attacks Iran, before our presidential election, then McCain is in. If they wait till after the election, then Obama might win. Thats the other wild card that might determine who gets in.

But back to the original topic. Did no one like my water on mars pic? Come on guys.. you would have to pay top price for this kind of humor in a comedy club. Im giving it away here for free!!!. LOL