Features

NASA Considers ISS for Private Ventures. The Earth, Moon, Mars and Beyond / Vision for Space Exploration and, more specifically, the US President himself say NASA research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) must be refocused to encompass Moon and Mars exploration preparation only. This doesn't sit well with many members of the science community and even Congress itself, judging by recent testimony. In any regard, NASA funds for ISS research are tight. But both sides of the issue may get their way if a new NASA paradigm shift becomes permanent -- the utilization of private enterprise aboard the ISS. The 'ISS Entrepreneurial Paradigm Workshop,' held in Santa Clara CA on 21-22 June, was organized to explore the possibilities. "Until recently, the business case for commercial endeavors on the ISS was not compelling," says NASA Ames Director Scott Hubbard. Due to technological developments, he says space may offer a valuable new arena, especially for biotechnology. "This workshop is intended to bring together all of the parties that can inform a decision and direction on the future use of the ISS for biotech," says Lynn Harper of NASA Ames. "I am skeptical, interested and open to being convinced," says Alan Marty of workshop participant JP Morgan Partners. He thinks it will be interesting to see if a "customer-centric" ISS can be created. The workshop final report, due by 15 July, will be available here. Info www.nasa.gov.

Griffin Answers Commercialization Questions. "The whole thrust of my comments today is that I generally do support the notion that we've got to get commercial enterprise into the space business," says NASA Administrator Mike Griffin. Following a Space Transportation Association-sponsored breakfast in Washington DC on Tuesday, Griffin fielded questions from members of the space community, including Keith Cowing, Frank Sietzen, Lori Garver, Alan Ladwig, and Klaus Heiss. Griffin's focus was on commercial and private involvement in the Earth, Moon, Mars and Beyond / Vision for Space Exploration, particularly in alternate cargo and crew supply to the International Space Station (ISS) by the time the Shuttle fleet retires in 2010. He says some sort of request for services will go out "by early fall," and that "anybody who can meet the business terms" will be considered. High Frontier Moon Base Director Klaus Heiss suggested that after 2010, the ISS could become "partially private," and NASA's funds redirected toward "going to the Moon." Griffin also emphasized the USA's need to be able to independently put humans into space, including launch systems and crew vehicles, so as not to be held "hostage" by an individual provider or dependent on any foreign nation. Info nasawatch.com.

US Policy Research Center Says Space Program's Future Uncertain. A new report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences says the US needs to expand intl cooperation in space, refocus on basic science, and bolster the competitiveness of its commercial space industry. George Abbey (Air Force Captain assigned to Apollo Program and director of NASA JSC from 1995 to 2001) and Neal Lane (White House science advisor under President Clinton from 1998 to 2001) authored the report, which identified four failures of national policy: (1) inadequate planning for NASA's future; (2) erosion of international cooperation in space; (3) Congressional restrictions on the export of space tech; (4) projected shortfall in the future science and engineering work force. The last point is further supported by an ACLU report citing US security issues that are leading to a foreign "brain block." Also, Abbey told the New York Times the White House is considering putting weapons in space and that could further endanger efforts at international cooperation. However, space policy analyst John Logsdon said NASA head Mike Griffin was already working on many of the problems. In an interview last week, Griffin said, "We're not on the right path, but we're steering the boat to go on the right path."