Summary Neil Armstrong's statement on Human Spaceflight (Youtube) www.youtube.com
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One Line
Neil Armstrong stresses the importance of thorough evaluation and discussion of NASA's human spaceflight program to prevent neglect and maintain America's supremacy in space exploration.
Slides
Slide Presentation (8 slides)
Key Points
- NASA's new plan for human spaceflight has undergone substantial review and debate
- The long-term strategic guiding vision proposed by President Bush includes finishing the International Space Station, returning to the moon, establishing a permanent presence there, and venturing onward toward Mars
- Lack of review for President Obama's 2010 plan raises concerns about overlooked requirements and unwelcome consequences
- The national investment in space and sharing of knowledge has served America well and should not be allowed to fade away
- The new plan may prohibit human access to low Earth orbit on US rockets and spacecraft until the private aerospace industry qualifies their hardware for human occupancy
- The most experienced rocket engineers believe it will take many years and substantial investment to reach the necessary level of safety and reliability
- If these experts are correct, the US will be limited to buying passage to the International Space Station from Russia and prohibited from traveling to other destinations in low Earth orbit
- The national space plan should be subject to the normal review process to ensure America is well served.
Summaries
25 word summary
Neil Armstrong emphasizes the need for careful review and debate of NASA's human spaceflight program to avoid oversight and ensure American leadership in space exploration.
62 word summary
Neil Armstrong discusses NASA's new plan for human spaceflight, stressing the importance of reviewing and debating program concepts before making public proposals. He expresses concern that lack of review could lead to overlooked requirements and consequences. Armstrong believes America's leadership in space exploration requires determination and investment, and highlights the need for a thorough review by Congress, the aerospace industry, and experts.
206 word summary
Neil Armstrong appreciates the opportunity to present his views on NASA's new plan for human spaceflight. He emphasizes the importance of reviewing and debating new program concepts before making a public proposal. After the Columbia tragedy, President Bush proposed a vision to finish the International Space Station, return to the moon, establish a permanent presence there, and venture onward toward Mars. This vision was analyzed, debated, and approved by Congress. However, President Obama's 2010 plan was not widely known before its announcement, which is concerning as lack of review can lead to overlooked requirements and consequences. Armstrong believes that America's leadership position in space exploration requires steadfast determination and continued investment. He expresses concern that the new plan will prohibit the US from having human access to low Earth orbit on its own rockets until the private aerospace industry meets necessary safety and reliability standards. If this happens, the US will be limited to buying passage to the International Space Station from Russia and will be prohibited from traveling to other destinations in low Earth orbit. Armstrong highlights the need for careful analysis of the plan and emphasizes that a thorough review by Congress, the aerospace industry, and reliable experts is essential for America's best interests.
299 word summary
I appreciate the opportunity to present my views on NASA's new plan for human spaceflight. The process of reviewing and debating new national program concepts is important to ensure that all major issues are examined in detail before a public proposal. After the tragic loss of Columbia, Admiral Gaiman noted that NASA needed a long-term strategic guiding vision. President Bush proposed a vision to finish the International Space Station, return to the moon, establish a permanent presence there, and venture onward toward Mars. This vision was analyzed, debated, and approved by the Congress. President Obama's 2010 plan was not widely known prior to its announcement, which is concerning as lack of review can lead to overlooked requirements and consequences.
America has invested substantially in space exploration and our leadership position requires steadfast determination and continued investment. Our national investment in space has been wise and served us well. If we allow our leadership position to fade away, other nations will step in. The new plan, as I understand it, will prohibit us from having human access to low Earth orbit on our own rockets and spacecraft until the private aerospace industry qualifies their hardware for human occupancy. While I support encouraging newcomers in the industry, I am not confident that it will reach the necessary level of safety and reliability in a short time.
If these experts are correct, the United States will be limited to buying passage to the International Space Station from Russia and will be prohibited from traveling to other destinations in low Earth orbit. The plan has assertions that require careful analysis and some that do not deserve any analysis. If the national space plan undergoes the normal review process by Congress, the aerospace industry, and reliable experts, America will be well served. Thank you.
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Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp5DfNhhGX4