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Lecture 26. Exploration, the Federal and NASA
Budgets, and Politics.
The US Budget
GDP = consumption + investment + exports - imports
US population = 296 million (Jul 2005)
What is the deficit for every person in the US?
Tables from: Office of Management and Budget, Mar 2006
Where Does the Money Come From?
Where Does the Money Go?
Where Does the Money Go?
Federal Debt
What is the federal debt for every person in the US?
The Beginnings of Astrobiology Research
“Exobiology” program first started in 1957.
(Sputnik was launched in 1957)
The NASA Astrobiology Institute began in 1998.
(Announcement of potential life on ALH84001 in 1996).
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NASA’s Budget
What is the Vision for Space Exploration?
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Announced by George W. Bush Jan 14, 2004
Response to Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
To regain public enthusiasm for space exploration.
Crew Exploration Vehicle
Calls for:
-completion of International Space Station by 2010
-retiring the Space Shuttle by 2010
-Develop Crew Exploration Vehicle by 2008
-Develop the Shuttle Derived Launch Vehicles
-unmanned missions to the Moon by 2008
-manned missions to the Moon by 2020
-explore Mars with unmanned and manned missions
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Also need to redevelop heavy lift capabilities
Left: Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle
Right: Crew Launch Vehicle
both derived from parts from the
existing Space Shuttle
Rationale for Going Back to the Moon
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harvest resources/raw materials (mining)
Crew Exploration Vehicle
study history and future of Moon and Earth
Returning Back to Earth
moon’s far side ideal for radio astronomy
unique products in extreme vacuum of the surface
remoteness ideal for isolating biologically hazardous experiments
proving ground for space operations
develop self-sustainable outposts
harvesting ice from the polar regions
Political Support for the New Vision
Nov 2004 congress passed omnibus spending bill of $44M
to NASA to kick-start the Vision
New administrator Michael Griffin is a big supporter of the Vision
NASA’s Budget
Costs of the New Vision
Lecture 27. Habitability of Bodies in the Solar
System. Voyager and Venus Landers.
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reading: Chapters 6,7