Philosophy
"Political Tensions Hamper Search for NASA Chief"
by
Andy Pasztor
Februrary 6th, 2009
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Disagreements between the White House and some senior Democratic lawmakers have complicated the choice of the next U.S. civilian space chief -- and led to the emergence of a possible compromise candidate.
Retired four-star Air Force Gen. Lester L. Lyles is now viewed as new contender to head the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, according to lawmakers and aerospace industry officials. Gen. Lyles once headed the country's missile-defense program and more recently participated in blue-ribbon commissions studying manned space exploration.
Barely three weeks ago, White House officials were close to announcing that another retired Air Force general, Scott Gration, had been chosen to run NASA. But the decision was put off partly because veteran Democratic lawmakers, especially Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, complained about Gen. Gration's lack of NASA and space background.
The personnel squabble reflects a broader struggle over the direction of the U.S. manned space exploration programs, which faces new funding and policy challenges. As an outsider to NASA, Gen. Gration was perceived as more likely than other candidates to propose potentially major changes to programs and contractor teams established years ago by the Bush Administration and supported by certain Congressional leaders and NASA's bureaucracy.
Now, the odds of Gen. Lyles eventually getting the nod seem to be increasing, as the White house considers alternatives. Some industry and government officials say Gen. Gration is still in the running.
If the decision drags on, it could strengthen the position of Sen. Nelson and others who support the current space program and the thousands of jobs it provides in Florida and elsewhere. It is bound to take any new agency head months to conduct a review of NASA's priorities, and at this point the White House doesn't appear to have settled on its own action plans. Members and staff of the House Science committee, for example, so far haven't received any indications of White House desires to move away from the rockets and space vehicles currently under development.
Sen. Nelson has publicly talked up another retired general, Charles Bolden, but his chances are considered less likely than those of the two other rivals, according to industry officials.
Recently, Gen. Lyles's name has circulated widely on Capitol Hill and his credentials have been examined by White House aides. Earlier in the decade, he was a member of a presidential commission focused on how to get astronauts back to the moon and on to Mars. Gen. Lyles also has been involved with other high-profile studies and commissions looking at space exploration and NASA's manned program.
White House officials have declined to comment, and so have NASA officials.
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Philosophy
Politics of a NASA successor
"Political Tensions Hamper Search for NASA Chief"by
Andy Pasztor
Februrary 6th, 2009
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Disagreements between the White House and some senior Democratic lawmakers have complicated the choice of the next U.S. civilian space chief -- and led to the emergence of a possible compromise candidate.
Retired four-star Air Force Gen. Lester L. Lyles is now viewed as new contender to head the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, according to lawmakers and aerospace industry officials. Gen. Lyles once headed the country's missile-defense program and more recently participated in blue-ribbon commissions studying manned space exploration.
Barely three weeks ago, White House officials were close to announcing that another retired Air Force general, Scott Gration, had been chosen to run NASA. But the decision was put off partly because veteran Democratic lawmakers, especially Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, complained about Gen. Gration's lack of NASA and space background.
The personnel squabble reflects a broader struggle over the direction of the U.S. manned space exploration programs, which faces new funding and policy challenges. As an outsider to NASA, Gen. Gration was perceived as more likely than other candidates to propose potentially major changes to programs and contractor teams established years ago by the Bush Administration and supported by certain Congressional leaders and NASA's bureaucracy.
Now, the odds of Gen. Lyles eventually getting the nod seem to be increasing, as the White house considers alternatives. Some industry and government officials say Gen. Gration is still in the running.
If the decision drags on, it could strengthen the position of Sen. Nelson and others who support the current space program and the thousands of jobs it provides in Florida and elsewhere. It is bound to take any new agency head months to conduct a review of NASA's priorities, and at this point the White House doesn't appear to have settled on its own action plans. Members and staff of the House Science committee, for example, so far haven't received any indications of White House desires to move away from the rockets and space vehicles currently under development.
Sen. Nelson has publicly talked up another retired general, Charles Bolden, but his chances are considered less likely than those of the two other rivals, according to industry officials.
Recently, Gen. Lyles's name has circulated widely on Capitol Hill and his credentials have been examined by White House aides. Earlier in the decade, he was a member of a presidential commission focused on how to get astronauts back to the moon and on to Mars. Gen. Lyles also has been involved with other high-profile studies and commissions looking at space exploration and NASA's manned program.
White House officials have declined to comment, and so have NASA officials.
NASA Administrator rumors
- Nasa's Future
Maybe it is time to be realistic and turn NASA over to private enterprise. "House, Senate have different ideas for NASA's future" Commercial funding axed; no extra shuttle launch in plan by Bart Jansen July 21st, 2010 FLORIDATODAY.COM A House committee...
- Nasa's New Budget
Mostly good news with an amendment. Congress has scrapped the Moon mission [and Moon/Mars mission]...that's a smart move based on economics not technology which just isn't there. The amendment? NASA must do R&D for a new rocket. Okay, that's...
- Congressional Idiots
I wonder why they wish the NASA Moon project to continue...would it be because their state could benefit from supplied materials and services. They are idiots that wish to promote a one-sided venture into space. "It is imperative that the United States...
- Charles Bolden Is Blind
Get real Mr. Bolden...you are wearing horse blinders and not understanding NASA's current position and economic reality. "Embattled NASA chief vows to outline path to Mars" by David Shiga February 25th, 2010 NewScientist NASA chief Charles Bolden...
- Nasa Administrator...do We Have A Winner?
Maj. Gen. Charlie Bolden "Bolden Reacts To Reports of His Impending NASA Nomination" by Becky Iannotta May 15th, 2009 space.com WASHINGTON — U.S. President Barack Obama's science adviser told Congress May 14 a NASA administrator will be announced...