Author Topic: NASA FY 2012 Budget Request for NASA Updates (Read 53331 times)

Chris Bergin · « **on:** 04/11/2011 08:09 pm »

Admin Bolden will testify at a Senate CJS subcommittee hearing on Monday at 4 p.m.:

http://appropriations.senate.gov/news.cfm?method=news.view&id=527faa7f-5915-46f2-9f7f-ba2571f12289

QuoteMonday, April 11, 2011
Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee (Chairman Mikulski)
Time and Location: 4 p.m., Dirksen 192
Agenda: FY 2012 Budget Request for NASA
Witness:The Honorable Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
Administrator

http://appropriations.senate.gov/streama.htm

northanger · « **Reply #1 on:** 04/11/2011 08:10 pm »

Interesting point by Senator Mikulski: every time NASA lifts off it takes the American economy with it.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #2 on:** 04/11/2011 08:13 pm »

Sen. Hutchison. At a crossroads, about to lose Shuttle.

Doesn't think we're fully using the ISS/National Lab.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #3 on:** 04/11/2011 08:18 pm »

When we retire shuttle, NASA will be reduced to buying seats from the Russians.

We have invested in Orion, NASA is refusing to allow Orion to move forward. We see no signs of NASA directing to move foward with Orion at all.

For ISS: STS-135 has now become critical.

The nation could find ourselves without either Cargo or Crew capability, based on track records. Commercial could eventually become successful, but I don't believe we should appropiate dollars for them in this year (need a direct quote there, as I was paraphrasing. Was strong).

Ah, wants commercial dollars, but not at the expense of Orion.

Halidon · « **Reply #4 on:** 04/11/2011 08:19 pm »

Fascinating, the Senator is lobbying hard for Orion but has not mentioned SLS much if at all.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #5 on:** 04/11/2011 08:20 pm »

Senator Brown, not seen him before.

Making a political point about taxes for high earners.

Think he's Cleveland as he was talking about Glenn too.

northanger · « **Reply #6 on:** 04/11/2011 08:20 pm »

Senator Hutchison {comparing 2011/2012 budgets} this budget deliberately hamstrings Orion.

The Senator seemed really concerned about moving Orion forward and her opening statement also stated developing a balanced (gov/comm) approach. Nothing she's read so far justifies such a large investment in commercial.

robertross · « **Reply #7 on:** 04/11/2011 08:22 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/11/2011 08:20 pm

Senator Brown, not seen him before.

Making a political point about taxes for high earners.

Think he's Cleveland as he was talking about Glenn too.

Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio

edit: confirmed

neilh · « **Reply #8 on:** 04/11/2011 08:22 pm »

Quote from: Halidon on 04/11/2011 08:19 pm

Fascinating, the Senator is lobbying hard for Orion but has not mentioned SLS much if at all.

I was very surprised with that as well.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #9 on:** 04/11/2011 08:23 pm »

Prepared statement from General Bolden.

Looking forward to an innovating future of inspiration.

Notes NASA has a clear direction from the 2010 Authorization Act.

Had to make some difficult choices (based on funding).

Strong commitment to help us "Win The Future" <---heh! BUZZ.

northanger · « **Reply #10 on:** 04/11/2011 08:26 pm »

Bolden: Will announce Orbiter new homes tomorrow, anniversary of first shuttle launch.

Senator Hutchison earlier also noted these anniversaries and that we are at a crossroads.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #11 on:** 04/11/2011 08:26 pm »

Will announce the retirement destinations for the orbiters tomorrow.

Again says "priorities" on HSF. Fully utilize ISS. Safe and reliable commercial services. Eventually Mars, via HLV and MPCV. Will help us remain a leader in space for many years to come.

Talks about the robotic missions.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #12 on:** 04/11/2011 08:26 pm »

Quote from: Halidon on 04/11/2011 08:19 pm

Fascinating, the Senator is lobbying hard for Orion but has not mentioned SLS much if at all.

She did actually, by name, but was more concerned about Orion.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #13 on:** 04/11/2011 08:28 pm »

Praises the workforce and says these are dynamic and excellent times at NASA.

Questions coming.

Space Pete · « **Reply #14 on:** 04/11/2011 08:32 pm »

Sen. Hutchison noted that NASA could be without cargo or crew transportation to ISS if commercial don't succeed.

She then said that NASA shouldn't spend too much money on commercial systems.

Yes, that makes sense. $:-\$

(More money for commercial = less risk of being without ISS transportation.)

neilh · « **Reply #15 on:** 04/11/2011 08:33 pm »

Mikulski pressing Bolden on JWST (very unhappy) and need to revamp there, Bolden discussing management changes

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #16 on:** 04/11/2011 08:34 pm »

Senator Mikulski asking about targets for big cuts. I think she's got some - or wants some - specifics on JWST.

"We want this telescope, it's important to our future".

General Bolden. Made management changes. Now my responsibility (and his team). Lists the team.

Gives good answers under pressure from an unhappy Senator Mikulski.

northanger · « **Reply #17 on:** 04/11/2011 08:37 pm »

I forgot what's supposed to released at 12AM April 12th on appropriations.senate.gov -- CR? -- but Senator Mikulski asked Mr. Bolden to "scrub" that "so that you know what you need to do" & "share with us, what you think that means to NASA".

neilh · « **Reply #18 on:** 04/11/2011 08:38 pm »

Mikulski: "If we don't do the right thing now, it'll cost us more in the future."

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #19 on:** 04/11/2011 08:38 pm »

Heh. Senator Mikulski really not happy over JWST. Not happy about the fiscal enviorment, thinks if we skip now, we pay three or four times later.

Need to know what is needed.

He handled it well!