NYT: NASA Needs $5 Billion More for Shuttles, Director Says

[DeepModem Mom]

NASA Needs $5 Billion More for Shuttles, Director Says
By WARREN E. LEARY
Published: November 4, 2005


WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration needs up to $5 billion more than previously budgeted to operate the space shuttle before the program ends in 2010, and it is looking for ways to reduce the shortfall, Michael D. Griffin, the agency administrator, said Thursday.

Testifying before the House Science Committee, Dr. Griffin said the cost of operating the shuttle fleet before it is retired was higher than expected.

NASA is trying to find savings in the shuttle program to avoid hurting other agency projects, while still flying enough shuttle missions to fulfill obligations to finish the International Space Station, he said.

Dr. Griffin said "painful choices" might be needed to pursue President Bush's plan to send people back to the Moon before 2020.

To ease budget pressure, NASA has already announced cutting half its planned space station research, sharply reducing a program to develop nuclear power for space applications and delaying planned space astronomy missions....


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/04/science/space/04nasa.html

[izzie]

1. Maybe they could try WIC?

I would just hate to see some big Corp. not get a nice fat contract because NASA has no money.My God what will the stock holders do?