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Statement from AIA on the final report of the President’s Commission on the Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy “A Journey to Inspire, Innovate and Discover,” makes important recommendations that will aid NASA in successfully realizing the administration’s vision for our country’s exploration of space. The U.S. aerospace industry applauds the detailed work of the Aldridge commission and sees the report as a positive step toward realizing this vision. We are also pleased that the report is consistent with a report issued in November, 2002, by the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. Industry also feels that the commission’s proposal for a White House space exploration steering council for policy development and inter-agency coordination is an essential element to the long term success of the new vision. The recommendations for forming a NASA Space Science Board, similar to the Defense Science Board, and for forming an organization within NASA much like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), will create a working environment already proven to be successful at the Defense Department. Industry also agrees with the commission’s recommendation that NASA reach out to the commercial and entrepreneurial companies with contracts and competitive prizes, a strategy that will make available a variety of new business opportunities to large, small, and start up businesses in the aerospace sector. AIA agrees with the commission finding that the space exploration vision must be managed as a significant national priority requiring a shared commitment from the President, Congress, and the American people. This commitment would strengthen America’s space exploration leadership, and contribute to our economy, national security and international competitiveness. As such, AIA encourages the administration and Congress to review the report and begin a constructive dialogue on the recommendations. The U.S. aerospace industry is concerned, however, that with less than the .07 percent of the federal budget dedicated to NASA it may not be possible to accomplish its new Vision. AIA has recommended a substantial increase in the NASA budget over the next five years to implement the commission’s recommendations and renew NASA’s aging infrastructure.
Visit AIA’s homepage at www.aia-aerospace.org
Contact: Matt Grimison, AIA |
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