WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Science and Space Subcommittee hearing today on Challenges and Opportunities in the NASA FY 2011 Budget Proposal.

Witness List:

Panel I

The Honorable Charles F. Bolden, Jr., Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Panel II

Mr. Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Astronaut (Ret.)

Mr. Michael J. Snyder, Aerospace Engineer

Mr. Miles O’Brien, Journalist and Host, “This Week in Space”

Mr. A. Thomas Young, Lockheed Martin Corporation (Ret.)

Key Quotations from Today’s Hearing:

“I realize that this budget proposal represents a significant change in direction for the agency. And I am encouraged by certain elements, including the agency’s rededication to science missions. But I also know that there is a lot of unease, particularly when it comes to the proposed plans for human spaceflight. I firmly believe this is a turning point, an incredible opportunity for Congress and the general public to reexamine what we want out of this agency. And that is exactly what I intend to do as the Commerce Committee moves forward with a reauthorization.”

Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

“We need to insure we’re not putting all our eggs in one basket with NASA’s plan to rely heavily on private companies to develop new rocket ships. And we must do right by the men and women who have made this space program what it is.”

Senator Bill Nelson, Chairman, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space 

“Americans and people worldwide have turned to NASA for inspiration throughout our history – our work gives people an opportunity to imagine what is barely possible, and we at NASA get to turn those dreams into real achievements for all humankind. This budget gives NASA a roadmap to even more historic achievements as it spurs innovation, employs Americans in fulfilling jobs, and engages people around the world as we enter an exciting new era in space.”

The Honorable Charles F. Bolden, Jr., Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

“I would like to state that it is imperative that NASA must maintain global leadership in Human Space Flight! With the International Space Station in low earth orbit, NASA has established a frontier in space.”

Mr. Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Astronaut (Ret.)

“I cannot stress enough the importance of having an over-arching program with clearly defined goals that focus these R&D efforts to near term as well as long term capabilities with the intent and strong national will to use them.”

Mr. Michael J. Snyder, Aerospace Engineer

“Washington, we have a problem... It is time for our space agency to reboot and rethink its mission. I look forward to telling the story of NASA 2.0.”

Mr. Miles O’Brien, Journalist and Host, “This Week in Space”

“Much can be accomplished within the proposed science budget that will contribute to our understanding of Earth, our solar system, and the universe. Although it is frustrating knowing that there are worthy opportunities that cannot be accomplished within the proposed budget, there is some consolation in knowing we will be implementing the best of the best.”

Mr. A. Thomas Young, Lockheed Martin Corporation (Ret.)

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