Comments on: Nelson to introduce Senate version of NASA authorization bill today http://www.spacepolitics.com/2013/07/17/nelson-to-introduce-senate-version-of-nasa-authorization-bill-today/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nelson-to-introduce-senate-version-of-nasa-authorization-bill-today Because sometimes the most important orbit is the Beltway... Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:35:41 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 By: MECO http://www.spacepolitics.com/2013/07/17/nelson-to-introduce-senate-version-of-nasa-authorization-bill-today/#comment-419253 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:14:52 +0000 http://www.spacepolitics.com/?p=6498#comment-419253 I think there are basically two fundamental criteria for whether any of these bills are “good”. Basically, looking at each bill: is it responsible and is it realistic? To elaborate, 1) Responsible: Do the resources come close to matching the mandate? Putting aside for the moment whether the priorities reflect what you would like to see. 2) Realistic: Are the resources realistically achievable given the current fiscal climate? Are the goals/policies/programs technically realistic?

I’d say none of the bills so far meet both of these criteria. One could probably argue that NASA’s request doesn’t even meet these criteria. Hopefully, the stark difference between the bills will spur a discussion over what is realistically achievable and what is responsible for the long-term success of the civilian space program. At least let’s hope so.

]]> By: Dark Blue Nine http://www.spacepolitics.com/2013/07/17/nelson-to-introduce-senate-version-of-nasa-authorization-bill-today/#comment-419242 Wed, 17 Jul 2013 19:19:22 +0000 http://www.spacepolitics.com/?p=6498#comment-419242 Better late than never, I suppose…

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