- Pursuing an ambitious 21st century Space Exploration Program, by implementing a balanced strategy of robust human spaceflight, expanded robotic spaceflight, and enhanced space science activities.
- Developing a comprehensive space-based Earth Sciences agenda, including full funding for NASA’s Earth Sciences program.
- Promoting American leadership in aeronautics by reversing funding cuts to NASA’s and FAA’s aeronautics R&D budget.
Sounds pretty good, huh? So, who is the only candidate that has had anything at all to say about space, let alone voiced such enthusiastic support? Hillary Clinton.
Hillary is committed to a space exploration program that involves robust human spaceflight to complete the Space Station and later human missions, expanded robotic spaceflight probes of our solar system leading to future human exploration, and enhanced space science activities. She will speed development, testing, and deployment of next-generation launch and crew exploration vehicles to replace the aging Space Shuttle. And in pursuing next-generation programs, Hillary will capitalize on the expertise of the current Shuttle program workforce and will not allow a repeat of the “brain drain” that occurred between the Apollo and shuttle missions.
I personally witnessed the economic devistation of Brevard County, Florida as the Apollo project wound down. Engineers were reduced to pumping gas or flipping burgers. Skilled technicans left the area in droves. Houses sold for next to nothing. In my hometown of Titusville, Miracle City Mall, once a busy center of local commerce, became almost abandoned. With this next transition up to 15,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, may be lost. I'm glad Hillary is thinking about it. Of course I'm sure she's also thinking about Florida's 27 electorial votes.
I bet some of you other candidates would like to get those juicy electorial votes so come on and step up to the plate! Let's hear your thoughts on the space program. Are you listening, Fred?
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