RELEASE:
Chairman Palazzo on Future of Space Program
Examining Space Launch System and Orion Programs
Washington, D.C. – The Space Subcommittee today held a hearing to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the Space Launch System and Orion programs.
Space Subcommittee Chairman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss): “The successful test launch of Orion demonstrates that we are on the right track for sending humans back to the Moon and Mars within our lifetimes. Across the nation people were watching with the same hope and pride that all Americans had in the early days of our space program.
“In my congressional district children were bussed to Stennis Space Center to watch a live feed of the launch…The tremendous ongoing work at NASA and our industry partners is beginning to produce tangible results. The nation can be proud of what was accomplished last week. It was certainly a job well done.
“It is no secret that this Committee is concerned that the support within NASA for the SLS and Orion is not matched by the Administration. While this lack of commitment is somewhat puzzling, it is not at all surprising. The president has made clear that he does not believe space exploration is a priority for the nation and has allowed political appointees within the administration to manipulate the course of our human space flight program.
“Let me be very clear, on my watch Congress will not agree to gutting the SLS program, not now and not anytime in the foreseeable future.”
Witnesses at today’s hearing included the Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, Mr. Bill Gerstenmaier, and the Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management for the Government Accountability Office, Ms. Cristina Chaplain.
12/10/14
