Augustine Panel SubGroup Asserts Rationale For Human Space Flight is Human Expansion Into Solar System

Speaking on behalf of the “Beyond Low Earth Orbit” subgroup, Augustine panel member Chris Chyba asserted today that the subgroup’s recommendations to the full panel include the premise that the only rationale for human space flight “that is sufficient to justify the necessary commitment beyond low Earth is to chart the path for the expansion of human civilization into the solar system.” The Augustine panel is meeting today in Cocoa Beach, FL (view it on NASA’s media channel at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html.

The subgroup developed 11 figures of merit against which to judge various options, but Dr. Chyba said that as important as science, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers, engaging with international partners, and commercial development of space may be, the fundamental reason for human space flight is sustained human presence beyond low Earth orbit. “This sounds terribly ambitious and dramatic, but if that is not the point of human space flight — which now is exactly about finally once again going beyond low Earth orbit — what the hell are we doing,” he exclaimed.