NASA Administrator Talks About New Vehicles

In this speech at MIT, Michael Griffin discusses the rationale for the designs of the new vehicles which will replace the Space Shuttle and serve the Vision for Space Exporation, and how NASA's programs are a prudent investment of 7/10th of 1 percent of the national budget.

MIT World » : Developing the Hardware for Future Human Space Exploration: "Griffin provides details on emerging models for a new crew exploration vehicle and booster rockets. NASA is attempting to take advantage of earlier designs for the sake of economy and speed – “architecture with as little fuss and bother as possible, maximizing the use of things we already own.” There will be plenty of commercial opportunities in these public missions, with NASA seeking to purchase launch and communication services as soon as available. And he envisions promoting international cooperation by offering seats in the lunar lander in exchange, in one example, for help in setting up a lunar habitat. “We don’t want to return to the days where NASA does everything,” says Griffin. "