I personally am very excited to see changes in the space program. If we build a permanent presence on the moon, it will be able to accomplish most of the things that the ISS is doing, plus much more such as advancing research into new energy and fuel sources. Other research (such as zero-G) can still be accomplished in the capsules during the roughly 6 month flight time (each way) to Mars (for example). Articles in Sky and Telescope I have recently read lead me to believe that the advantage of orbiting telescopes is diminished by recent developments which allow earth-based telescopes to overcome much of the problems of viewing through the atmosphere, and we will most likely have a telescope of some sort on any moon base built. Land scopes (and possibly a moon one) are also cheaper to maintain since they do not require shuttle missions to service. I also believe that we will continue to work with the international community at least on the moon base. Although international cooperation seems to be more of a drag on time and resources it has many intangible benefits such as fostering good will. Certainly I will be sad to see some of the old things go (Space Shuttle, HST, and ISS) but this is mostly for nostalgic reasons. They will be replaced with new things (Moon Base, Mars Lander) that we will learn to be just as fond of.

I am VERY disappointed that he plans to phase out the ISS and de-orbit HST from what I understand. Both have added greatly to our space experience. I was personally involved in developing the unique rodent feeding system for shuttle flights since the mid 80's and to be used to multi generation studies on ISS. The ISS had purposes in uderstanding zero gravity science and to expand space science into the public and private sector on earth, i.e. new medical developments. The Hubble images and new science speaks for itself!!! We were close to seeing back in distance and time to the beginning of the universe. I cannot see how we could walk away from such far reaching and broad scientific programs that affects many aspects of our lives on earth, as well as in space, for many years to come. Just last night on satellite tv there was a program on ISS and the next generation of yound scientists meeting in Houston - the kids were thrilled about the future for this space program, that may now be going away. How short sighted for both Hubble and the ISS!

Jim Stitley

Joe Bauman <bau@desnews.com> wrote: