Posted on Jun 26, 2009 05:40:56 PM | Steven Gonzalez | 51 Comments
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In the next few weeks we will get a new Administrator and Deputy Administrator. Shortly after that we will hear from the new Augustine Committee their recommendations concerning the future of human space exploration. So what can we expect about the future direction of NASA? To answer that let me go back four years to the early days of the Advanced Planning Office, when the Director for the Johnson Space Center (JSC), Mike Coats commissioned us to look at the 20 year strategy for JSC. When we started we conducted an environmental scan which included the changes in commercial space and international space. The results of the scan and a series of scenario planning activities offered a future vision where Low Earth Orbit (LEO) would be crowded and that NASA could leverage to a greater extent the capabilities outside of the agency allowing us to focus our resources on exploration beyond LEO. Over the past few years we have been tracking their progress and it has been the source of many of my previous blogs. Then last fall during the presidential campaign, President Obama offered his view on the future direction of NASA. It included - Using the Private Sector: Obama will stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate spaceflight capabilities. NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services is a good model of government/industry collaboration. Drawing in International Partners: Obama will encourage a cooperative framework for the conduct of a long-term and sustainable international exploration initiative. This will enable the United States to leverage its resources and to use space exploration as a tool of global diplomacy.
Then earlier this year the Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP) stated the following:
The administration and OSTP will develop policies that will:
- Help establish a robust and balanced civilian space program, and engage international partners and the private sector to amplify NASA’s reach.
So are we going to the Moon or Mars or an Asteroid? My crystal ball is very fuzzy on a destination (although I have my hypothesis that I’ll save for another entry). Where the trail of the past 4 years leads me is to a rebalance of NASA’s portfolio to include a more integrated strategy with International and Commercial space. I think that NASA will enter a phase of leading the international and commercial community in defining an integrated human exploration program that leverages all of the assets available across the community. I think that over the next four years we will find a very different collaboration across the International Space Agencies. I believe that whatever the destination beyond LEO, it will be a tightly integrated international program.
The start of the Federation? Maybe or maybe the international crew currently on the International Space Station and the release of the movie this summer reminded me again of why I joined NASA 21 years ago. The dream that we would have a united planetary human exploration of space.
Sharing the Vision,
Steven González, Deputy, Advanced Planning Office
Tags : Commercial Space, International, Space Policy
- Using the Private Sector: Obama will stimulate efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate spaceflight capabilities. NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services is a good model of government/industry collaboration.
51 comments so far ( Post your own )
- 51
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I am well aware of the dire need for a powerful Mission and Vision statement for the human race. I am absolutely certain that it is best to come from and lead by NASA. What I am concerned about is that it will be muted, diluted, immobilized, usurped, co-opted and eventually drowned in the sea of red ink by bureaucrats of every instance.
Keep on dreaming, and keep on working to make that dream a reality.
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Flat- 49 On Nov 18, 2009 10:09:59 AM alison wrote:
Veruy well define and nice information.. liked that..
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Really, I would like to add in this regard is that there is a good chance that American governance can unleash their funds for such space missions, since this would be a noble aspiration......and advancement!Borla Exhaust|Magnaflow
- 47 On Nov 15, 2009 06:08:34 AM Seo Services wrote:
I enjoyed reading your work! GREAT post! I looked around for this in Google and found you! :)
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SEO Services- 46 On Nov 12, 2009 11:16:50 AM Alban wrote:
Greatings from Germany. I Love NASA.
Pflege Tester- 45 On Nov 10, 2009 03:23:45 PM cash gifting wrote:
i think there is already a federation going on behind the scenes
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- 44 On Nov 11, 2009 02:04:03 AM website design wrote:
Really, I would like to add in this regard is that there is a good chance that American governance can unleash their funds for such space missions, since this would be a noble aspiration......and advancement!
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hello
Veruy well define and nice information.. liked that..
Website Design- 42 On Nov 05, 2009 06:05:00 AM Avril Lavigne wrote:
When there is a new invention it is always asked that is it done by Nasa??? Why?? Because nasa is the best in technology. It is only because of Nasa that we are in this level today.
It Career- 41 On Nov 04, 2009 04:00:24 AM deb dulal dey wrote:
NASA is consistently improving its position and this is what has invested it with a distinct glory which no other space research wing has ever managed to get.
regards
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Indian SEO Company- 40 On Nov 03, 2009 09:59:22 AM Brendan wrote:
It's great to read that Obama is playing an active part in the mobilisation of NASA initatives. As Buzz Lightyear once said "To infinity and beyond!" and that is where i think we will be going in the hopefully close future.
iPhone Accessories- 39 On Oct 31, 2009 09:26:49 AM guest wrote:
Did your environmental scan include ITAR and related issues? As I see it from Canada, my Starfleet/Federation application would not be allowed to go thru because it would contain certain restricted data -)))
Buy Cialis- 38 On Oct 31, 2009 01:40:40 AM keffe wrote:
I hope "future direction of NASA" result would be good.
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- 37 On Oct 31, 2009 01:42:02 AM keefe wrote:
I see it from Canada, my Starfleet/Federation application would not be allowed to go thru.
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- 36 On Oct 28, 2009 11:53:33 PM I Love NASA wrote:
I Love NASA
- 35 On Oct 28, 2009 03:51:22 AM sable jordon wrote:
Nasa is a another name of invention.
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Acai Berry Juice- 34 On Oct 25, 2009 04:02:08 AM Gregorio Petersen wrote:
They have new thoughts,new vision and also different way of thinking.I think NASA must adopt new technologies.Best of luck for new federation.
Resveratrol Colon Cleanse Acai- 33 On Oct 24, 2009 06:51:42 AM Robert Steve wrote:
NASA has always doing its best in terms of research.I hope this time too the federation will come up with flying colors.
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Stretch Marks- 32 On Oct 26, 2009 06:34:30 AM colon cleanse wrote:
i dont think that such kind of federation is required....
Colon Cleansing- 31 On Oct 18, 2009 07:00:32 AM James wrote:
NASA is Very Best.
Fly London Shoes- 30 On Oct 20, 2009 07:09:38 AM Mel Green wrote:
Did your environmental scan include ITAR and related issues? As I see it from Canada, my Starfleet/Federation application would not be allowed to go thru because it would contain certain restricted data -)))
I am well aware of the dire need for a powerful Mission and Vision statement for the human race. I am absolutely certain that it is best to come from and lead by NASA. What I am concerned about is that it will be muted, diluted, immobilized, usurped, co-opted and eventually drowned in the sea of red ink by bureaucrats of every instance.
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Profitable Business Ideas- 29 On Oct 19, 2009 04:31:32 PM guest wrote:
I think a mistake was made by ronald reagan when he stopped NASA from getting into the cmmercial satellite launching business. The french loved that one!
The russians in contrast,have had to really be creative in order to keep their space program alive,talking about budget restraints. They got into tourists industry,plane rides in mig-29s,making tv ads,etc. As a matter of fact,they are beating us at our own game: FREE ENTERPRISE!
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I think NASA should be turned into a corporation,like the us postal service or attach it too the postal service,which already has the organization. Both need to be perkedright now! Get it out of the control of the taxpayer as much as possible,so it can become creative again. Add a MODULE to the SPACE STATION for TOURISTS and maybe we can keep our SHUTTLE FLEET going until NASA comes up with a REPLACEMENT!- 28 On Oct 21, 2009 01:39:20 AM Brielle Jast wrote:
Yes!!My good wishes with you.Your dreams comes true one day.Upcoming administrator and deputy administrator will do something new human space exploration.They have new thoughts,new vision and also different way of thinking.I think NASA must adopt new technologies.Best of luck for new federation.
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- 27 On Oct 22, 2009 06:06:13 AM Lance Klusener wrote:
I think this is good step taken by Mr. Obama to incorporate private sector in space activities. It will bring positive result in many sense. Keep it up.
Cellulite|Cellulite |Cellulite Removal- 26 On Oct 21, 2009 01:48:27 AM waverly159 wrote:
American human spaceflight is at a turning point, and its future looks a bit shaky. The space shuttle is soon to retire. NASA needs a new direction.
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Resveratrol- 25 On Oct 21, 2009 04:10:46 AM raby petar wrote:
Nasa always invention something new this is also a new step.
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Anti Aging Supplement- 24 On Oct 22, 2009 06:13:55 AM Miley Cyrus wrote:
The space is the only topic which I love to read and share. I loved your article. Please keep on sharing such type of articles.
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Anti Aging- 23 On Oct 05, 2009 07:21:47 PM mad wrote:
Did your environmental scan include ITAR and related issues?
Mad from Gewinnspiele Schweiz- 22 On Oct 05, 2009 06:52:09 AM mac hova wrote:
Well, yes future direction of NASA seems to be bright, after all there is lot of new to see as NASA 21 years ago. As now am working on the research of how to treat hemroids I have very less time to comment but yes on your blog i continuously read so do like to said it once. Yeah!! NASA will enter a phase of leading the international and commercial community in defining an integrated human exploration program that leverages all of the assets available across the community.
- 21 On Oct 02, 2009 03:41:12 AM deb dulal dey wrote:
It is delightful to learn the world's leading organization dedicated to scientific experiment is going to have its new Administrator and Deputy Administrator. I hope this will mark the beginning of a new era. In the past years, NASA have done marvelous job by exploring and expanding the possibility of space and thereby enhancing our understanding of the universe and those things that were thought to be mysterious, mystical and so on. Have a bright future ahead.
website design- 20 On Sep 29, 2009 08:39:53 AM Anjali Roy wrote:
NASA is the very big space agency. It's good that, they are inventing new technology.
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Teeth Whitening- 19 On Sep 26, 2009 02:30:06 AM Tom Cruise wrote:
The organization should make some new invention on NASA project.This is really a great news that
Nasa is looking for human space transportation.
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Acai Juice- 18 On Sep 25, 2009 07:43:37 AM rimee wrote:
This is a nice article on Space and satellites..the organization should be made private so dat it works in a more organized way..
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Acne Scars- 17 On Sep 21, 2009 06:37:05 PM Greg Hannah wrote:
Wondering about the future of near earth orbit delivery systems.
As the shuttle quickly approaches it's retirement I have been wondering about the various different methods currently being considered. It has struck me how much waste we expend in getting any of the current systems there and back again. I remember reading many years ago a comment by an author decrying the waste of the solid rocket boosters being returned to earth when their empty shells represented so much storage space. How is it that modular systems aren't being considered for the replacement to the shuttle? Think of a system that would combine a detachable reentry vehicle much like the old Apollo Command Module attached to a storage container like all those shipping containers along all the coastline. It could even be designed to come apart to increase space station capacity, shipping paid. No need to consider all the costs associated with reentry and the speed of expansion would be greatly enhanced. Make it modular enough and it could even become the core of near space travel. From the International Space Station to the nearest Lagrange, from there to the Moon and so on. Just my thoughts on what is obviously a very expensive endeavor, keeping it simple.- 16 On Sep 25, 2009 01:52:04 AM annarose27 wrote:
Well Today I read somewhere that Moon has got water and I guess it should be better if NASA studies moon precisely...because if there is little evidence that water is there on moon..then obviously its going to be boon for the mankind...it might become reality that someday we ll live on moon....fingers crossed Teeth Whitening Reviews
- 15 On Sep 25, 2009 06:07:28 AM Hulk hogan wrote:
Nasa is looking for human space exploration specially human space transportation. This is great news. And the most good thing is that president Obama is encouraging their effort.
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It is a necessity if we want to master China and Russia race to Space.
- 12 On Sep 09, 2009 01:21:01 AM hilman wrote:
I really like this idea, I agree that even a nasa federation
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hilman- 11 On Aug 26, 2009 05:46:10 AM Hover wrote:
well,I am concerned about is that it will be muted, diluted, immobilized, usurped, co-opted and eventually drowned in the sea of red ink by bureaucrats of every instance. Great Post! Thanks for the insights and thoughts.Colon Cleanse
- 10 On Aug 26, 2009 06:04:42 AM Ahuja wrote:
You like to reference Star Trek; 40 years ago, having all of the information in the world at your fingertips (the Enterprise's library computer) was a fantasy. Today everyone's computers and wireless mobile devices have the power of the Internet behind them.
Teeth whitening- 9 On Aug 21, 2009 06:56:08 PM guest wrote:
The moon and mars are dead planets. there is no reason to spend money go there.We could better spend the money studing the Earth from Space stations. It seems God did mean for the present, for man to leave Earth. It is not possible to live in space for the long term, if earth gravity can not be duplicated. We can't travel at the speed of light or time travel to reach other stars or galaxies.Science fiction movies don't show humans traveling or living in 0 g's.Unless we can get help from other intellegent beings, we are wasting our money.Its possible we live on the greatest world in the universe, so why leave. we should stop destroying our world, and use our money to improve it.
- 8 On Jul 22, 2009 06:14:56 AM BILLY D. MARSHALL wrote:
I find it rather alarming that our astronauts may have to hitcha ride with the russians to the space station,which basically belongs to us. What if the russians decide not to take our astronauts? Maybe we could get the chinese to take them and charge it?
I think a mistake was made by ronald reagan when he stopped NASA from getting into the cmmercial satellite launching business. The french loved that one!
The russians in contrast,have had to really be creative in order to keep their space program alive,talking about budget restraints. They got into tourists industry,plane rides in mig-29s,making tv ads,etc. As a matter of fact,they are beating us at our own game: FREE ENTERPRISE!
I think NASA should be turned into a corporation,like the us postal service or attach it too the postal service,which already has the organization. Both need to be perkedright now! Get it out of the control of the taxpayer as much as possible,so it can become creative again. Add a MODULE to the SPACE STATION for TOURISTS and maybe we can keep our SHUTTLE FLEET going until NASA comes up with a REPLACEMENT!
sincerely,
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DIST: WHITE HOUSE,PRYOR,LINCOLN,ROSS,NASA,POSIAL SERVICE,ETC.- 7 On Jul 18, 2009 08:30:48 AM sean wrote:
about time......
- 6 On Jul 04, 2009 09:25:28 AM Chris wrote:
I personally belive all space agencies should merge and become a single body under the direct administration of the UN/ international community. until this happens there will be no such thing as starfleet or the federation, more like Space navys and terran colonies affilated to their mother nation. which to me is a privitive but realistic vision of the future sofar.
using space exploration and knowledge as ammunition against other nations is completly deplorable.
Not to mention the extreme social problems and deficiences of humanity such as racism, war, poverty and greed. corporate greed scares the sh*t outta me and sourcing the the final frontier to self-centred businessmen to exploit it for financial gain is disgusting.
we still struggle with the SLAVE trade nicly named human trafficking, which is a growing problem which most people are blissfully unaware off. i havent actually begun to explain the reasons why we are not ready to pollute the greatest boundry of exploration.
But i do KNOW we have a LONG way to go before we as a race are evolved enough to star something as gracious as STARFLEET or the FEDERATION.- 5 On Jul 03, 2009 05:42:15 PM Sunfell wrote:
Why shouldn't NASA lead the ultimate cooperative mash-up and create a unified space program and a real Starfleet?
I'd enlist!- 4 On Jul 06, 2009 11:24:21 AM MikeD wrote:
Did your environmental scan include ITAR and related issues? As I see it from Canada, my Starfleet/Federation application would not be allowed to go thru because it would contain certain restricted data -)))
I am well aware of the dire need for a powerful Mission and Vision statement for the human race. I am absolutely certain that it is best to come from and lead by NASA. What I am concerned about is that it will be muted, diluted, immobilized, usurped, co-opted and eventually drowned in the sea of red ink by bureaucrats of every instance.
There is at least one "problem screw", to paraphrase "Zen and the Art of Motocycle Maintenance", and I do not see anyone out there or out here who can start an "intergalactic war" over it.- 3 On Jul 01, 2009 05:48:38 AM duke25 wrote:
the federation is made up of other aliens races... but, starting starfleet, now thats another story, just need news engines, because the ships we can build with no problems
- 2 On Jun 30, 2009 06:31:38 AM MH wrote:
The (OSTP) is for civilian space regulation.
The UN started United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in 1974. for Governments.
Found at:
http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/- 1 On Jun 27, 2009 05:38:49 PM Dave H. wrote:
We humans have one quality that seems to be unique: we have the capacity to dream far beyond current reality, and then work to make the dream become reality.
You like to reference Star Trek; 40 years ago, having all of the information in the world at your fingertips (the Enterprise's library computer) was a fantasy. Today everyone's computers and wireless mobile devices have the power of the Internet behind them.
Instant, worldwide communication and the world's knowledge in your hand. Amazing, isn't it?
Dick Tracy's two-way wrist TV seems so primitive somehow.
Keep on dreaming, and keep on working to make that dream a reality. - 50 On Nov 18, 2009 08:30:04 PM pepgo wrote:
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