Obama Administration Orders Independent Review of NASA's Human Space Flight Activities

President Obama released the details of his FY2010 budget request today, May 7. Together with the budget details, he directed an independent assessment of alternatives for NASA’s human space flight activities after the space shuttle is retired. In a statement, Acting NASA Administrator Christopher Scolese said:

“Along with the budget release, the White House also announced the launch of an independent review of NASA’s human space flight activities. The Review of United States Human SpaceFlight Plans will examine our development programs and suggest possible alternatives. The goal is to provide options that will ensure the nation’s human space flight program remains safe, innovative and affordable in the years following the space shuttle’s retirement. During the review, work on the Constellation Program will continue.

The review team will work closely with NASA and seek input from the Congress, the White House, the public, industry and international partners as it develops these options. The review will be done by a blue-ribbon panel of experts.”