McCain just takes up space. Obama is talking up space.

[Youphemism]

First, this is not just a "I'm going to throw money at NASA plan."

This is another position paper by Obama that proves people who say he lacks specifics just plain can't read.

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=28880

For those who question space spending, it provides many specifics on direct benefits, including monitoring global warming, helping agriculture, improving fuel efficiency and other energy-related technologies, improving transportation systems, avoiding a space-based weapons arms race, improving science education in schools, assisting American companies with access to cutting edge technology and participating with other countries in something other than war.

I'm really glad he's released this. (He sure sounds a lot more like JFK than that old wrinkly guy.)

Of course, it's a real political issue, not a gaffe or some vague accusation of elitism, so I expect it to get no airplay.

Here are the headings, in case you don't have time to go through the whole thing:

Retaining Options for Additional Shuttle Flights

Speeding the Next-Generation Vehicle

Using the Private Sector

Working with International Allies

Completing and Enhancing the International Space Station

Partnering to Enhance the Potential of the ISS

Enabling Human Exploration

Enhancing International Cooperation

Retaining Options for Extended Operations

Embracing Human Space Exploration

Drawing in International Partners

Partner to Improve Basic Capabilities

Conducting Robotic Missions

Leveraging Robotic Capabilities to Explore the Solar System

Supporting Space-Based Observatories:

EARTH-ORIENTED RESEARCH -- Studying the Earth and Monitoring Climate Change

Stopping Political Interference

Supporting Global Food and Water Needs

Enhancing Earth Mapping

Maintaining Leadership in Aeronautics Research

Supporting Fundamental Research

Advancing Future Transportation Needs

Promoting Fuel Efficiency

Better Coordination with Other Federal Agencies Involved in Space

PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND KEEPING SPACE SECURE -- Collaborating with the International Community

Collaborating on Exploration
Collaborating on Climate Change Research

Emphasizing an International, Cooperative Approach to Space Security

Negotiating Agreements on "Rules of the Road

Opposing Weaponization of Space

Protecting America's Space Assets

DEVELOPING NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Expanding Public/Private Partnerships to Advance Leading Edge Technologies

Enhancing the Role of NASA as a Premier Institution of Innovation

Increasing Commercialization Benefits

Jumpstarting Consumer Technology

Supporting Commercial Access to Space

Revising Regulations for Aerospace Export Control

Expanding the American Skill Base in Science and Engineering

EDUCATING THE PUBLIC -- Engaging the Public and Inspiring the Next Generation

Establishing Educational Access to Government Programs and R&D

Inspiring Learning through Participatory Exploration

Establishing Teacher/Researcher Fund for High Schools

Increasing Opportunities for College Students

Supporting Open Government Initiatives

[madeline_con]

1. When Obama came to the space Coast,

he promised an additional shuttle flight to bridge the transition period between it and the OSP (Orbital Space Plane). This will secure jobs and hopefully, create more.

[Youphemism]

2. There are lots of jobs involved -- the Shuttle is just a single program...

If you haven't been to the NASA page lately, it's worth a look.

They're doing a lot of work to observe global temperatures, polar ice, atmospheric conditions, and solar events.

Beyond jobs that are paid for by the government, the partnering with US companies will help stimulate jobs that are funded by the private sector.

An aside about the shuttle program -- I've wondered why they don't plan, upon retiring the shuttle, to leave one up at the International Space Station. The last two scheduled flights are about a month apart. The last two crews could return to Earth together, leaving one shuttle behind to provide space and resources for experiments, an extra robotic arm, and an emergency reentry vehicle.

I haven't heard anyone suggest this, or why it might not be a good idea. But I digress.

[madeline_con]

3. I like that idea. You might run it by the higher ups.

Hubby says he'll run it by his boss at KARS Park. ;)