CSA Comments on Space Exploration Commission Report

MEDIA ADVISORY
June 16, 2004
CONTACT: Andrea Seastrand
805-349-2633

The California Space Authority applauds the efforts of, and the recommendations made by, the President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy in its report issued today.

"The Commission has laid out a plan which, when implemented, will lead to the successful exploration of Moon, Mars and Beyond," stated the Honorable Andrea Seastrand, Executive Director of the California Space Authority (CSA). "That exploration will inevitably produce many benefits for those living on earth similar to GPS, satellite communications and MRI machines."

The report includes seven recommendations: (1) to manage the space exploration vision as a significant national priority including a shared commitment of the President, Congress and the public, (2) to transform NASA as an agency, (3) to develop enabling technologies, (4) to support a robust space industry, (5) to pursue international partnerships, (6) to engage the scientific community in order to maximize scientific returns, and (7) to stimulate math, science, and engineering excellence for America's students and teachers.

"The report's recommendation to establish a permanent Space Exploration Steering Council within the White House is valuable," stated Seastrand. "It will help to ensure that NASA continues to have the support of Presidents throughout the decades that will be required to achieve the agency's space exploration goals." Seastrand added, "The report's recommendation that NASA support a robust space industry should benefit space enterprise in California due to the state's existing space infrastructure, trained workforce, and geographic location." Dr. Stanley Rosen, Chairman of CSA's Board of Directors, provided a presentation to the Commission during its recent public hearing in San Francisco. During his presentation, Dr. Rosen told the Commissioners that the California space enterprise community - comprised of industry, academia, and the workforce - provides about 28 percent of the world's space goods and services. The space enterprise community includes about 300,000 workers at more than 25,000 companies, 5 world class universities, 3 NASA centers as well as 50 federal labs and DoD space organizations. Seastrand stated further, "The report's recommendation to transform NASA from its current Apollo based structure to an agency capable of implementing the space exploration vision is a positive objective. It is essential, however, that NASA maintain its existing corporate knowledge and skilled personnel." Regarding the report's recommendation to stimulate excellence in math, science, and engineering for America's students and teachers, Rosen stated, ""It is the inspirational quality of this space exploration vision that will excite students and professionals alike to develop the skills needed to take these next significant steps. In doing so, they will create the capabilities for future national and international advancements."

Another Commission recommendation is to reach out to potential international partners to participate in exploration beyond low Earth orbit.

"Space exploration and development will help the United States to continue its role as a world leader," stated Seastrand. "It can also improve the United States' relationships with other countries by providing opportunities for those countries to participate."

Back to the Pressroom

Back to the top