Message from the Administrator: Oct. 1, 2010
I know that this year of transition has, at times, been difficult for everyone. Our future direction sometimes seemed in doubt, and there was no shortage of critics of our agency.
However, the United States Congress last night issued a resounding vote of confidence in your hard work, and endorsed a clear path forward for NASA. Drawing on the ambitious plan for our agency laid out by President Obama, the Congress approved the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010.
This bill helps put the U.S. space program on a more sustainable trajectory and will help inspire a new generation of Americans to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With this new direction, we will extend the life of the International Space Station, launch a commercial space transportation industry, develop path-breaking technologies, and work to create thousands of new jobs in a vibrant, forward-looking economy.
One of the more discussed parts of NASA’s work is how we should do human exploration of our solar system. We all agree human exploration is a vital part of our space program. We now agree that a new heavy-lift Space Launch System is going to be an essential early part of our plans to carry humans beyond low Earth orbit, and that we must also develop the new technologies to help us thrive there.
I thank the Congress for their thoughtful deliberations about NASA’s future over the past months. Both the House and the Senate provided insight, ideas and direction that were truly exemplary of the democratic process. It is clear that our space program inspires passion and dedication across party lines, and for that we are truly thankful.
There is still a lot of work ahead, especially as the 2011 appropriations process moves forward, but the continuing support for NASA ensures America’s space program will remain at the forefront of pioneering new frontiers in science, technology, and exploration.
I also want to thank you, the people who work hard every day to make this agency shine. Your dedication to advancing the causes of exploration and scientific discovery, safe air travel and a cleaner environment is second to none.
I especially appreciate the fact that, during this time of uncertainty, you remained focused on your jobs and continued to advance the extraordinary work of this great agency. You are committed public servants, and I am proud to be part of such an outstanding organization.
This agency now has a clear roadmap for the future, and I look forward to working with each of you to carry out the ambitious plans with which our nation’s leaders have entrusted us. Thank you for all that you do.
Charlie B.
Clear direction? Sure Charlie…nice of you to spew that crap today when a few more thousands HSF employees are being laid off this morning.