Future of U.S. Space Program

Speakers in the forum sponsored by the American News Women’s Club discussed what directions the National Oceanic and Space Administration should take as the world heads into the 21st century. Faced by budget constraints and public criticism for imperfect projects such as the Hubble telescope and delays in the space shuttle program, NASA draws fire for overspending at the same time the Bush administration pushes for research on manned missions to the moon and Mars. A commission of experts on space travel and exploration, the Augustine panel, produced a report in December 1990 with recommendations on what direction NASA should take in the future. Two members of the commission, Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Thompson discussed the recommendations of the panel, which advocated a “vigorous” space program for the U.S., including a plan for a manned mission to Mars. close