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Science NASA head talks straight to Obama
Science NASA head talks straight to Obama | NASA head talks straight to Obama |
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| Science - Space | |
| by William Atkins | |
| Monday, 17 November 2008 | |
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Science DiscussionsNASA administrator Michael “Mike” Griffin isn’t expecting to remain as the head of NASA when the Obama administration takes over in January 2009. He was appointed by Republican president George Bush, so does not expect the Democratic president-elect Barack Obama to keep him on. Griffin stated on Friday, November 14, 2008, “I expect the new president and his team will have their own choice for NASA administrator. If I were to be that choice I would be surprised, I would be honored. I would be willing to continue on under the right circumstances." [Reuters: “NASA chief says U.S. must stick to moon plan”] On the other hand, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has told the U.S. Congress that the future (or lack of a future) of the space shuttle program is one of the most pressing problems of the new Obama Administration. According to the Scientific American article “Future of the U.S. Space Program in Obama's Hands," the head of the GAO, Cristina Chaplain stated, "NASA has already begun the process of shutting down production and transitioning people, equipment and resources to new endeavors.” The SA article added, “She [Chaplain] adds that the longer the decision is delayed, the more difficult it will be to keep operating the shuttle safely and cost-effectively. She also is quoted in the article, "Moreover, putting off a decision may hamper the transition itself and keep NASA from pursuing new space transportation development.” In my estimation, the United States needs an experienced and effective person in charge of the U.S. space program. That person (Griffin) is currently in charge of NASA. Whether that person was appointed by an opposing party’s administration or not, should not be a consideration in President-elect Obama’s decision. Page two continues. |
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