Another Open Letter to Congress – This One Supportive of Obama Plan

Another open letter about President Obama’s plan for NASA has been sent to Congress signed by another set of space luminaries including former astronauts, former NASA and other government officials, scientists, industry leaders — mostly the “new space” industry, and others.

This one supports the President’s plan as long as it not only facilitates the emergence of commercial crew, but includes”acceleration of exploration beyond low Earth orbit” that is “clearly defined.” The letter says these should be the two “highest priorities” of the human spaceflight program and are “both essential,” with emphasis on “both.” It is not obvious whether the clearly defined, accelerated exploration program they are seeking is different from what the President is currently proposing.