NASA has released a new document to supplement its FY 2025 budget. The document, titled "A Vision for Space Exploration", contains more details on future missions and how NASA will transform to fulfill these goals.
+ A Vision for Space Exploration (PDF - High Res)
+ A Vision for Space Exploration (PDF - Low Res)
James,
Thanks for posting this - it's a great visionary read. One thing I'm a bit worried about is the near euphoria from some (myself included) in the space enthusiast community. I'm very glad that NASA's being given a "second chance" to carry the torch outward. However, I see retirement of the Shuttle/ISS commitments as a one-time windfall that NASA should accept with deference.
Stated differently, I doubt Americans will give NASA a break for developing another albatross. So far, I'd say the early CEV concepts definitely pass the KISS principle (a Good Thing). But the financial side worries me. Here's hoping that NASA keeps close tabs on its project managers and contractors so that we don't wake up one day with another multi-billion dollar cost overrun (unlikely on O'Keefe's watch, thankfully).
But back to the positive - the President's vision has truly inspired me. I hope to do my part to keep NASA's nose to the grindstone of the vision if and when I get that chance.
Page 22 of NASA's vision is easily my favorite piece of the document. I look forward to the day in the twilight of my career when I'm able to hand off my knowledge to young space farers preparing for human settlements on Callisto. If this becomes a reality, it will be because my future colleagues have been good stewards of the faith placed in them for the early part of the 21st century.
We've been handed the chance a whole generation could only dream of. Let's not squander it.
- Dave
Posted by: Dave K. Smith at February 8, 2024 10:01 PM