NASA budget: Right vector, time for more thrust

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 6, 2006) — Space Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Elliot G. Pulham made the following statement today in response to the release of the President’s FY 2007 budget proposal for NASA: “The Vision for Space Exploration and the President’s budget proposal have NASA headed in the right direction. This is the right vector, but it is time for more thrust. We commend the White House for providing NASA with a budget that demonstrates commitment to space exploration. The modest 3.2 percent increase over the FY06 baseline means the nation can carry through on its commitments to return the space shuttle to flight, complete the International Space Station, and pursue renewed exploration of our solar system. The Apollo program demonstrated that an urgent, robust program of space exploration ignites imagination and spurs innovation. This is vital to technology leadership, to encouraging greater strides in education, and to the strength of the U.S. economy. The President and many other leaders have articulated the need for the United States to be more competitive. Accordingly, stronger funding and bolder challenges for NASA are needed to stimulate research, innovation, educational opportunities, and economic growth. President Bush’s budget for NASA mirrors strong voter support for continued space exploration. A 2005 Gallup poll showed that more than three-quarters of Americans, including a majority of both Democrats and Republicans, endorse a strong program of space exploration.” 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’s signature event, the National Space Symposium, is scheduled for April 3-6, 2006, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. Along with partnering organizations, the Space Foundation also conducts Inside Aerospace, April 24-25, 2006, in Washington, D.C.; Strategic Space and Defense, 10-12 Oct. 2006 in Omaha, Neb.; and Florida Space. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.