AAS Public Policy Blog

Science Debate 20008 began as an effort to have a debate about science between the major presidential candidates. The effort morphed into 14 written-questions that candidates were invited to answer. Barack Obama has answered the questions, and the McCain campaign has indicated they will also answer them. I’ll post again when McCain’s answers are available.

I excerpt Obama’s answer on space below; you’ll notice similarities to the document on space policy the campaign released in August

1. Space. The study of Earth from space can yield important information about climate change; focus on the cosmos can advance our understanding of the universe; and manned space travel can help us inspire new generations of youth to go into science. Can we afford all of them? How would you prioritize space in your administration?

As president, I will establish a robust and balanced civilian space program. Under my administration, NASA not only will inspire the world with both human and robotic space exploration, but also will again lead in confronting the challenges we face here on Earth, including global climate change, energy independence, and aeronautics research. In achieving this vision, I will reach out to include international partners and to engage the private sector to amplify NASA’s reach. I believe that a revitalized NASA can help America maintain its innovation edge and contribute to American economic growth.

There is currently no organizational authority in the federal government with a sufficiently broad mandate to oversee a comprehensive and integrated strategy and policy dealing with all aspects of the government’s space-related programs, including those being managed by NASA, the Department of Defense, the National Reconnaissance Office, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation, and other federal agencies. This wasn’t always the case. Between 1958 and 1973, the National Aeronautics and Space Council oversaw the entire space arena for four presidents; the Council was briefly revived from 1989 to 1992. I will re-establish this Council reporting to the president. It will oversee and coordinate civilian, military, commercial, and national security space activities. It will solicit public participation, engage the international community, and work toward a 21st century vision of space that constantly pushes the envelope on new technologies as it pursues a balanced national portfolio that expands our reach into the heavens and improves life here on Earth.

Earlier this month, the Obama campaign issued a their plan, Advancing the Frontiers of Space Exploration (7-page PDF)). The McCain campaign has a page on space at their web site - America’s Space Program.

Both documents embrace the NASA Constellation program, and express concern over the gap between the retirement of the shuttle and the Orion/Ares system that will succeed it. The Obama document is longer, with more bullet points, and more detail, though it spends only a small portion talking about science at NASA. (A bullet point on solar system exploration and a bullet point about space observatories.)

Read both and see what you think.