Exploration "Too Important" to Give Less than Best

"The effective restoration of U.S. exploration leadership is simply too important to the well-being of the nation, both economically and competitively, for us to give anything less than our very best to ensure its success," was how Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., summed up his thoughts at a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Science and Space hearing on Nov. 17 entitled NASA's Human Space Exploration: Direction, Strategy, and Progress.

Witnesses at the hearing included:

• Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, USMC, Ret., administrator, NASA
• Robert Cabana, director, Kennedy Space Center, NASA
• Michael Coats, director, Johnson Space Center, NASA
• Dr. Robert Lightfoot, director, Marshall Space Flight Center, NASA

Bolden told the subcommittee that NASA is "committed to developing an affordable, sustainable, next-generation spaceflight system that will enable human exploration, scientific discovery, broad commercial benefits and its inspirational benefits in the best interests of the nation."

Pictured: Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.