I am honored today to speak at the 45th Goddard Memorial Symposium. So much in the future of space exploration requires the dedication of everyone here today. We just heard from distinguished speakers who commented on the history of the space age, and I’d like to build on those fine, insightful comments and talk a little more about where I see our space program going in the future.
WHAT WE HAVE DONE
While all of us here understand the importance of space exploration today and the answers it provides tomorrow, we also know the importance of promoting further space exploration as we strive to explore the reaches of our universe. Of course, as a former science teacher and the current congressional representative of the Johnson Space Center, I’m very enthusiastic about human and robotic space exploration!!
With so many important issues demanding our attention and resources in the world today, it is effective and compelling to focus on the multitude of tangible benefits of space exploration – jobs, technology, education, and quality of life, for instance.
But perhaps the most important and urgent reason is that if we don’t explore, then one day, as a species, we will most certainly cease to exist.
The great astrophysicist Stephen Hawking spoke recently about this very subject, saying, “It is important for the human race to spread out into space for the survival of the species … Life on Earth is at the ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster, such as sudden global warming, nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus, or other dangers we have not yet thought of.”
However, such threats aside, there are still some very persuasive arguments to be made as to why, as a species, we must venture into the cosmos. First, the business of space flight and exploration is an incredibly wise investment.
Every dollar invested in the space program is returned exponentially in the form of new products, technologies, and businesses. Relative to our entire federal budget, NASA dollars’ share comes to less than 1%. Americans spend over $45 billion per year just on soft drinks. For less than one-third of that amount, NASA is pushing the boundaries of the final frontier, creating commerce, assisting with education, increasing our economic competitiveness, enhancing health care, monitoring climate change, improving weather forecasting, building stronger bonds with our allies, and ensuring the survival of the human race. I don’t know about you, but I see some pretty good patterns here!!
WHAT WE ARE DOING
And we have much to celebrate. The Space Shuttle is a technological marvel, helping complete the assembly of the International Space Station. The crews living on the Space Station are extending the permanent human presence in space while establishing a way-station and research outpost for continued exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. Earth Science satellites are sending back unprecedented data on our oceans, and climate, and provide other types of services vital to our society, such as rocket guidance for our military and cell phone service. NASA’s aeronautics team is working with other government organizations, universities, and industry to improve air transportation and retain our nation’s leadership in global aviation. And most importantly, NASA is well on its way to bringing humans back to the Moon to use our planet’s natural satellite as a platform to enhance science, education, and commerce here on Earth.
Applications of technology needed for space flight have produced thousands of spin-offs that improve the national economy, productivity and lifestyle. These technologies and spin-offs are incorporated into the tools you use, the foods you eat, and the biotechnology and medicines that improve your health. Pacemakers for cardiac patients and portable medical equipment on ambulances are but two such examples.
A spin-off from the Hubble Space Telescope is being used for digital imaging breast biopsies. Devices built to measure the equilibrium of Space Shuttle astronauts upon return are now widely used by major medical centers to diagnose and treat patients suffering from head injury, stroke, chronic dizziness, and disorders of the central nervous system. And if you’re a motorcar racing fan, it’s good to know that materials from the Space Shuttle thermal protection system are used on NASCAR racing cars to protect drivers from the extreme heat generated by the super charged car engines.
A spin-off from the Hubble Space Telescope is being used for digital imaging breast biopsies. Devices built to measure the equilibrium of Space Shuttle astronauts upon return are now widely used by major medical centers to diagnose and treat patients suffering from head injury, stroke, chronic dizziness, and disorders of the central nervous system. And if you’re a motorcar racing fan, it’s good to know that materials from the Space Shuttle thermal protection system are used on NASCAR racing cars to protect drivers from the extreme heat generated by the super charged car engines.
WHAT WE WILL DO IN THE FUTURE
Toward these same ends, NASA recognizes that the growth of our national economy into space will enrich our lives on Earth, and has created the Space Product Development Program, or “SPD.” This program helps to ensure the continued economic viability of the U.S. and brings the opportunities for new advances, technological understanding, and jobs to the public.
But beyond that, we need a long-term vision for our space program that invests resources in our nation’s future by planning and executing human and robotic exploration of the moon, Mars, and beyond. And as we plan our nation’s future, we – the leaders here in Congress and you – the leaders in the space industry – need to decide whether or not we intend to incorporate the Solar System into our economic sphere.
Let me quickly share with you what I think has to happen…what I will support and fight for in Congress. In 2002, I introduced The Space Exploration Act, a bill to establish long term goals for NASA and our space program. This bill, in principle, was largely adopted by the administration in 2004. And that’s just one example of what I want to do to help the space community.
I will lead efforts to help manage the federal budget to afford a more robust NASA budget, where exploration and science complement each other. We must recommit to NASA’s twofold mission of science and exploration – we cannot afford to fall behind, not only for technology benefits and innovation, but the future of our economy and security.
Second, we must stop the “Flight Gap” during the Transition from Shuttles to the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. The U.S. cannot lose its ability to put Americans into space independently during the four year transition from the Space Shuttle to the Orion. The space flight gap and rush to end the Shuttle program can put undue pressure on flight schedules, potentially leading to dangerous flight decisions.
Beyond these priorities, I will lead bi-partisan efforts to focus adequate funds on human space exploration. We have not come this far to attempt human exploration of the moon and Mars with too little funding. We cannot shy away from the difficult missions, and we will do those missions – Hubble, the moon, Mars and beyond.
CONCLUSION
Finally, we must look to our space program as an inspiration for our children. As a physical science teacher during the Apollo years, I saw wonder and excitement in the eyes of my students when we discussed space and human space flight. Education – with an emphasis on math and science – is the key to a stronger tomorrow. After all – the youth of today are the leaders and the workforce of tomorrow. And it is unacceptable that we have fallen to 39th in the world when it comes to math and science. The U.S. will not be competitive in the global marketplace, or in the rest of our solar system, without a strong education system… without eager students and the educational institutions to train them.
In fact, the Science Committee on which I serve has proposed bills to strengthen U.S. global competitiveness and improve math and science education. H.R. 363, the Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, will provide for basic research and research infrastructure in science and engineering, and for support of graduate fellowships, and will soon be considered by the entire House. H.R. 362, which is still being reviewed in committee, is the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act, providing scholarships for educating mathematics and science teachers. As an adamant supporter of NASA, I will work to ensure that our future scientists are well-trained and prepared for the future, and I can guarantee you that education is a top priority of mine and this Congress.
We must not stop there however… We must not rest on what we’ve done but look to the future on what we can do. Lewis and Clark defined the spirit of America as they set forth in pursuit of the Northwest Passage that existed only in their imagination, only to open up a whole new frontier that many Americans now call home. Our calling is to continue that spirit and pursue the next great frontier.
Our nation’s space programs are an investment in the promise and reality of a better life here on Earth today, and ensure a brighter future for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. Thank you!
