It's
time to put your 21st century thinking cap because you've been invited to take
part in a new study into why the U.S. has a space program.
The
new study "Rationale
and Goals of the U.S. Civil Space Program" is looking for the public's view on
the following questions:
What's
the future of human, robotic, commercial, and personal
spaceflight? Is your life impacted in a meaningful way by the space
program? What kind of emphasis should the space program represent in going
forward? How can the country's civil, or
non-military, space program address key national issues?
Views
- positive
or negative - of the general public are welcomed.
This study
is sponsored exclusively by The National Academies, and it is not receiving any
funds from government agencies or any other external sources. The assessment is
a joint effort of the Space Studies Board and Aeronautics and Space Engineering
Board.
"Specifically,
we are anxious to hear
a broad range of views from the public, including people from outside and
inside traditional space interest sectors," said Joe Alexander, study director
for the appraisal. The effort is geared to explore the long-range rationale and goals of
the civil space
program, he told SPACE.com.
Best
objective judgment
The ad hoc
committee will prepare a report to advise the nation on key
goals and critical issues in 21st century U.S. space policy. Furthermore,
the committee's to-do list includes:
- Identifying
overarching goals that are important for our national interest.
- Identifying
issues that are critically important to achieving these goals and ensuring
the future progress of the U.S. space activities.
- Discussing
options to address unresolved issues.
- Using its
best objective judgment and recognizing other national priorities, the
committee will explore a possible long term future for U.S. space
activities that is built upon lessons learned and past successes; is based
on realistic expectations of future resources; and is credible
scientifically, technically, and politically.
What to
do next?
First
of all, visit
the study's Web site.
Once there,
you'll find a summary of the study charge, the committee roster, and also a questionnaire
that can be completed and returned to the study group.
Note: Those
wishing to take part are asked to provide their input by January 30, 2009!
Leonard
David has been reporting on the space industry for more than four decades. He
is past editor-in-chief of the National Space Society's Ad Astra and Space
World magazines and has written for SPACE.com since 1999.
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