Space Foundation Special Advisor Chiao Testifies at Senate Hearing

On April 9, Space Foundation Special Advisor – Human Spaceflight, Leroy Chiao, Ph.D., testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Science and Space at the a hearing titled, “From Here to Mars.”

The committee heard testimony from experts on NASA exploration strategy, international cooperation in space and commercial space efforts.

In his testimony, Chiao said, in part:

“Currently, and for nearly three years, the only entities able to launch humans into space are Russia and China. The Chinese have a long-term plan that includes construction of a space station in 2018, with full operational capability by 2022. China is in a position to provide hardware and capability in-kind. Security and technology transfer concerns would be handled exactly as the U.S. does today with Russia. To my knowledge, there have been no improper technology transfers, in either direction.

“America can and should be the clear world leader of international space exploration programs, both in low earth orbit and beyond. What is needed is consistent and sustained, strong political and financial commitments from the White House and Congress. NASA requires the resources to create a robust, integrated, international exploration plan that will lead us into the next exciting phase of human spaceflight. It does not have it today.”

A former NASA astronaut and Commander, International Space Station Expedition 10, Chiao is also Chairman, National Space Biomedical Research Institute User Panel.

The committee also heard testimony from:

• William H. Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• Susan Eisenhower, Chairman Emeritus, the Eisenhower Institute, President, the Eisenhower Group, Inc.
• Jeffrey Manber, Managing Director, NanoRacks, LLC.

Learn more about Space Foundation Public Policy and Government Affairs here.

Read more about Dr. Chiao here.

Pictured: Susan Eisenhower, Chairman Emeritus, the Eisenhower Institute, President, the Eisenhower Group, Inc., and Space Foundation Special Advisor – Human Spaceflight, Leroy Chiao, Ph.D., testifying on April 9 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Science and Space