Coalition Praises Aldridge Commission Final Report

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jun. 16, 2004) — The Coalition for Space Exploration agrees with the findings and recommendations of the President’s Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy, whose final report was released today, and congratulates the team led by Pete Aldridge on its efforts during these past 120 days.
“We are extremely gratified that the Commission has fully embraced and reinforced the importance of the Vision for Space Exploration. This stepping stone approach to expanding our boundaries in space presents us with clear, attainable goals from which all Americans will benefit, starting with the return to safe flight of the Space Shuttle,” said Jeff Carr, communications director for United Space Alliance, a founding member of the Coalition for Space Exploration.
The Coalition particularly applauds the Commission’s suggestion that NASA fully take advantage of the aerospace industry’s unmatched expertise to meet the goals of the exploration vision.
The Vision for Space Exploration redirects NASA’s budget and provides marginal increases to focus the agency on accomplishing the achievable, affordable goals of returning the space shuttle to flight, completing the International Space Station (ISS), deploying a new Crew Exploration Vehicle, returning to the Moon, and traveling on to Mars and beyond.
The Coalition for Space Exploration seeks to generate momentum and enthusiasm for the newly focused national space exploration initiative by sharing the spirit-lifting excitement and tangible benefits of our space program with the general public and our nation’s leaders.
The Coalition for Space Exploration is a collaborative effort whose mission is to ensure the United States will remain a leader in space, science and technology key factors that will benefit the nation’s economy, gratify our need to explore, and maintain our national security.
Founding members include ATK Alliant Techsystems, The Boeing Co., Lockheed Martin and United Space Alliance. Other members include Aerojet, Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI), California Space Authority, Florida Space Authority, Hamilton Sundstrand, Harris, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman, Moog, Pratt & Whitney, National Space and Satellite Alliance, and the Space Foundation.
Additional information about the Coalition and the nation’s Vision for Space Exploration can be found online at www.spacecoalition.com.