Standing Up For Constellation

Thanks to NASAWatch for the heads-up of this video. Appropriately, it opens with then-candidate Obama’s Titusville campaign event in which he promised the following:

One of the areas where we are in danger of losing our competitive edge is our space program. When I was growing up, NASA inspired the world with achievements we are still proud of.

Today, we have an administration that has set ambitious goals for NASA without giving NASA the support it needs to reach them. As a result, they’ve had to cut back on research, and trim their programs, which means that after the space shuttle shuts down in 2010, we’re going to have to rely on Russian spacecraft to keep us in orbit.

We cannot cede our leadership in space. That’s why I will help close the gap and ensure that our space program doesn’t suffer when the shuttle goes out of service by working with Sen. Bill Nelson to add at least one additional space shuttle flight beyond 2010; by supporting continued funding for NASA; by speeding the development of the shuttle’s successor; and by making sure that all those who work in the space industry in Florida do not lose their jobs when the shuttle is retired because we cannot afford to lose their expertise.

More broadly, we need a real vision for space exploration. To help formulate this vision, I’ll reestablish the National Aeronautics and Space Council so that we can develop a plan to explore the solar system — a plan that involves both human and robotic missions, and enlists both international partners and the private sector.

The video goes on to show the progress made in replacing the Shuttle and in getting Constellation off the ground.

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