Lori Garver Praises Congress, Discusses NASA’s Future

Deputy NASA Administrator Lori Garver

NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver held a teleconference with the media today. She discussed the House’s approval of NASA’s appropriations bill last night and how the space agency will proceed in trying to implement its new plan. Opening comments first with a summary of the Q&A session after the break.

Opening Comments

• We’re thrilled to have this three year authorization bill for NASA
• Change is never easy
• Healthy debate is a great sign of interest and the nation’s space program
• Resounding note of confidence in NASA
• 304-118 bipartisan, bicameral….very broad and deep support for NASA and a clear path for the agency
• bipartisan bill is very rare in today’s climate
• Congress has now approved over $58 billion for NASA over next three years….given the economic climate, that’s a great vote of support
• More sustainable path for NASA – accelerates heavy lift, support station, commercial space industry for crew and cargo, and gets started on new technologies
• Thanks Congress for their debate – provided a lot of inputs, suggestions and ideas that is a great example of democracy
• Space program inspires passion and dedication across party lines
• Thanked work force for their focus on their work during a difficult period
• Not the end of road, much work ahead but we have a clear framework for the future
• Thrilled to have sustained capability for long-duration presence in LEO via ISS
• Funding will allow nation to have a sustained human presence in space
• COTS and CCDEV and other actions that lay the groundwork for commercial partnerships
• HLV operational by 2016
• Proceeds with work on 21^st Century Launch Complex at Cape Canaveral

Q&A Session

Question: Rep. Gabrielle Giffords claimed that HLV is not buildable under this budget. Will you consider EELVs for heavy lift?

There are challenges in doing HLV given the budget and time frame. “I think the trade space continues to be open on what type of vehicle we will have….Right now all of that is in the mix.”

We need a new way to do business. There was a unique thing last night in that no one was arguing that we should have less than $19 billion next year. In the 1990s, vote on ISS passed by one vote.

Question:  Why was Bolden out of country when this vote was taking place? Is NASA really leaderless under Bolden?

Bolden is very active leader of this agency. He made a lot of calls to Congress yesterday. There’s no need for such concern. He was at the IAC until yesterday.

Question: Why is there a specific need to add an additional space shuttle launch (STS-135)?

There are specific things to do with an additional shuttle flight. ISS we’re getting complacent about how well its been operating. Would love to put on additional spares for its long duration.  Extra shuttle mission would help to stock up ISS for an extended period. At NASA, we have backup upon backup plans. Help keep this national treasure full supplied. Depends on the appropriations process where NASA will have money to pay for extra flight?

Question: Heavy lift capability preserved and how do we pay for revamped Orion?

We’re going through the authorization to determine what needs to be preserved. Sixty day deadline for getting a report to Congress on HLV.

The funding for Orion is in the bill. Appropriators get the final say on the amount for this. Look at things that have been decreased in this bill to pay for Orion and HLV. Less for space tech and commercial crew than was requested.

Question: How will these programs be rolled out?

Another round of CCDEV. Will work with stakeholders to get a healthy start on commercial crew in 2011 and toward 2012 budget request.

Question: Market studies on commercial space?

Government run market studies are tricky things. A lot of unknowns. More of a question of whether this is a NASA need that can met at lower cost and that there will be markets beyond the U.S. government. People have paid to go to space privately. Heartened by Boeing/Space Adventures partnership and Bigelow commercial space station plans. Really up to those industries that are investing to do the market studies. They need to understand what people other than government want in space.

We’re very pleased with the progress of the CCDEV companies. Very pleased with funding bill that it will allow NASA continue with this effort.

Question: What is value of STS-135?

We are confident that we can do an additional space shuttle flight safely without a backup and that we can make good use of it to support ISS.

A lot of emotion surrounding additional space shuttle flights. Went to the previous Atlantis landing.

Question: Constellation people about to be laid off in Huntsville?

This bill won’t change any layoffs. Will begin develop future programs so that we can quickly start to re-employ people and have a clear direction.

HLV will be managed out of Marshall in Huntsville. Will look to that team to build the best HLV this nation ever has.

Question:  The bill ends the moon as a destination. And what does that all mean?

I don’t agree. We will be going back with humans and robots. The fact that we’re targeting an asteroid is nothing against the moon. We need to find a sustainable way of exploring the moon. Private data buys from lunar problems. Space Adventures has customers who want to take trips around the moon.

“Lunar science, lunar exploration is alive and well at NASA”

Question: Any specific reason to believe that appropriators won’t fund STS-135 — additional shuttle flight?

No. This is a general statement that we need money from appropriators. No reason to believe that they won’t fund it.

Question:  How long would you like to see ISS extended? What role does it play in human space exploration?

NASA wants ISS working at least until 2020. As long as ISS is useful and operating in a sustainable way, we want to keep it going. We hope to develop partnerships to have people take over more costs and burdens. And we expect additional space stations will come online.

Question: What happens to Constellation contract now?

During continuing resolution which runs through Dec. 3, Constellation contracts continue. Will not terminate any agreements during the CR. That process needs to wait for the appropriations bill.

Overall, there is a bright future for both established and emerging space companies.