Hutchison: Future of US Spaceflight at a Critical Point

October 22, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today voiced concerns about the future of America’s space program after the release of the Final Report of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee (HSF Review Committee), chaired by Mr. Norm Augustine, former Chairman and CEO of Lockheed-Martin Corporation.

“America is at a critical point in human spaceflight, because we stand on the brink of losing our 40-year advantage in space,” said Senator Hutchison.  “The release of this report today marks the beginning of what must be a crucial discussion about America’s future role in space. Our current programs are simply unsustainable under the NASA budget and could potentially make plans to use the station until 2020 impossible. Failure to act threatens America’s foundation in space. Congress and the President must work together to address these mounting challenges if our nation is to continue its role as a world leader in space.”

                                                                     
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