Space Foundation comments on NASA's Exploration Systems Architecture Study

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sep. 19, 2005) — Today NASA Administrator Michael Griffin explained NASA’s Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) which outlines a plan for accomplishing the Vision for Space Exploration. The Space Foundation issued the following statement in response to NASA’s briefing: “A challenging, yet realistic plan to seize the high ground of exploration without breaking the bank,” said Elliot G. Pulham, president and chief executive officer of the Space Foundation. “Given the tremendous pressures on the federal budget, Dr. Griffin’s roadmap for re-energizing the American space program while remaining within the confines of NASA’s normal budget truly is the Right Stuff.” “NASA’s plan nails the essentials,” Pulham said. “It puts us on the path to more meaningful and exciting exploration. It challenges our great space industry to rise to new heights. It takes maximum advantage of existing and highly capable people, technologies, facilities and systems. Most importantly, it places in motion an exciting and sustainable journey away from the home planet that will inspire our youth and catalyze the great intellectual capabilities of our nation.” On January 14, 2004, President George W. Bush announced the Vision for Space Exploration, a plan to return the space shuttle to safe flight, complete the International Space Station, return to the moon and continue on to Mars. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin commissioned the ESAS to serve as a blueprint from which NASA will meet the goals and objectives of the Vision and build the nation’s future spacecraft and launch vehicles. The ESAS briefing took place in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov. About the Space Foundation Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that vigorously advances civil, commercial, and national security space endeavors and educational excellence. The Space Foundation has offices in Washington, D.C., and Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Space Foundation annually conducts, along with its partnering organizations, Strategic Space 2005, Oct. 4-6, in Omaha, Neb.; Florida Space 2005, Nov. 15-17 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fla.; and the Foundation’s signature event, the National Space Symposium, April 3-6, 2006, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. For more information, visit www.spacefoundation.org. #### Note to editors: Space Foundation spokespersons are available for further comment on NASA’s Exploration Systems Architecture Study report. Elliot G. Pulham, president and chief executive officer of the Space Foundation, is available in New York City at 719-210-3536. Steve Eisenhart, senior vice president of Policy & Public Affairs, is available in Colorado at 719-576-8000. Jay DeFrank, vice president of Washington operations and executive director of Research & Analysis, is available in Washington, D.C., at 240-491-7497. Jim Banke, vice president of Florida Operations, is available in Florida at 321-698-0591.