But Weldon said that the first tasks for new space policies after the 2000 elections are to complete the International Space Station and develop cheaper, more affordable rockets. "We also need more reliable partners for space projects than the ones we have now on the station," Weldon commented.

He was referring to the Russian governments role in the station project, and that countrys troubles in meeting space module construction milestones. Delays in the Russian-made Service Module threaten the stations deployment schedule.

Weldon said that getting the cost of space launch down to cheaper levels should be the "No. 1 space goal" of the next president, for without cheaper launch costs few missions beyond Earth orbit could be attempted. Explaining the need for affordable launch and space range upgrades to members of Congress will be Weldons top goal as the new co-chair of the Congressional Aerospace caucus.