Coalition Calls Upon President Obama for Visionary Space Program

In an open letter to President Obama, the Coalition for Space Exploration (CSE) has called upon the White House to place the country's space program on an inspiring trajectory - one that contributes to our technological productivity, economic growth and global stature in the 21st century.

President Obama has been offered a number of options by a recently concluded Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee.

But an underlying finding of that Committee is that allocated resources do not match NASA's visionary space agenda.

"The future direction of America's civilian space program rests in your hands," CSE's letter to President Obama states. The letter calls upon the President to make certain our nation is pursuing the best trajectory for the future of human space flight - one that is safe, innovative, affordable and sustainable.

CSE's communiqué underscores the many benefits Americans enjoy as a result of decades of work by dedicated members of the space community - an exceptional talent base in government, industry and academia that energizes the U.S. space program, benefits the nation, its citizens, and is admired throughout the globe.

This is neither a legacy to lose nor a future to mortgage, CSE's letter cautions. "Reaffirming America's heritage of exploration engages the best and brightest of the nation to tackle energy, health and environmental concerns while seeking out new horizons beyond our home planet."

Calling the U.S. space program a "renewable resource," CSE has appealed to President Obama to launch a reinvigorated action plan for space.

"You have the opportunity to shape a 21st century space policy befitting our country's greatness," CSE's letter to the President concludes.

By Leonard David