Jeff Foust reports on the “Lost in Space” panel discussion on space policy (see earlier post) at Rice University : In the search for a “definitive” national space policy, no definitive answers – Space Politics

Buzz Aldrin is releasing a new book on space policy:

Mission to Mars: My Vision for Space Exploration by Buzz Aldrin (Author), with Leonard David and foreword by Andrew Aldrin.

Publisher: National Geographic and out on May 7, 2013.

Chapter 1: The View from Air Force One
Chapter 2: Time for Decision-making
Chapter 3: Your Space: Building the Business Case
Chapter 4: Dreams of My Moon
Chapter 5: Voyage to Armageddon
Chapter 6: The March to Mars
Chapter 7: Homesteading the Red Planet
Chapter 8: The Clarion Call

He will be out promoting the book including two events in Washington D.C. in May:

• National Geographic Events – Buzz Aldrin: Mission to Mars, Thursday, May 9, 2013
• National Press Club: Buzz Aldrin “Mission to Mars: My Vision for Space Exploration”, Friday, May 10, 2013, http://press.org/events/aldrin

Here are two more critiques of the space policy panel discussion at Rice University on Thursday (see earlier post):

• Lost in Space or just plain lost – Michael Mealling/Rocketforge
• Not Another Space Policy Forum – Stephen C. Smith/Space KSC

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Rand Simberg highlights a case illustrating the double standard regarding risks to which NASA spaceflight is held: The Hazards Of Scientific Research – Transterrestrial Musings

The House Science, Space and Technology (HSS&T) Committee released a list of the members of the House Space Subcommittee, which will have major influence on NASA’s budget, programs and projects : House Space Subcommittee Members Named for 113th Congress – spacepolicyonline.com.

[Update: More on the committee from Jeff Foust: House Science Committee organizes for the new Congress – Space Politics
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There will be an interesting space policy discussion today (05:00 pm – 07:30 pm CT) at Rice University and it will be webcast live (perhaps it will also be available later in their video archive) : Lost in Space: The Need for a Definitive U.S. Space Policy – James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy Rice University

When the space shuttle program ended in July 2011, the United States lost its capacity to launch humans into space. U.S. astronauts are now flying to space in Russian spacecraft, and if the nation does regain such a capability, it may be provided by commercial companies. In the interim, NASA has initiated the development of a large rocket booster with no firm requirements or defined use, as well as a space capsule with limited capabilities to be flown to a yet unspecified destination. In light of the current situation, two reports were released in December 2012 that call into question the future of the U.S. space program: A Space Foundation paper urges NASA to shed some of its science and research functions, and to focus again on exploring space; and a study by the National Research Council concludes that a national disagreement over NASA’s space goals has proven detrimental to space agency budgeting and planning efforts.

With all of these concerns in mind, Rice University’s Baker Institute will bring together a panel of six space policy experts to review the present status and future of NASA and the nation’s civil space program. Participants will also discuss the need for and the elements of a definitive national civil space policy.

Panel participants include:

Mark J. Albrecht, Ph.D., is chairman of the board for U.S. Space LLC. He served as executive secretary of the National Space Council from 1989 to 1992 and as a principal adviser to President George H.W. Bush on space.

Leroy Chiao, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor at Rice University, the chair of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s user panel and special adviser for human spaceflight to the Space Foundation. He served as a member of the Review of U.S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee chaired by Norman Augustine in 2009. Chiao flew on three space shuttle flights and was commander of Expedition 10 flying for six months onboard the International Space Station.

Joan Johnson-Freese, Ph.D., is a professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College. She is the author of six books, including “Heavenly Ambitions: America’s Quest to Dominate Space” and “Space as a Strategic Asset,” as well as more than 80 articles on space security, globalization and foreign policy.

Neal F. Lane, Ph.D., is the senior fellow in science and technology policy at the Baker Institute and the Malcolm Gillis University Professor at Rice University. He served as assistant to the president for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology (OSTP) from 1998 to 2001. Lane also served as the director of the National Science Foundation and a member (ex officio) of the National Science Board from 1993 to 1998.

Eugene H. Levy, Ph.D., is the Andrew Hays Buchanan Professor of Astrophysics at Rice University. He served as provost of Rice from 2000 to 2010 and is currently a member of the NASA Advisory Council Science Committee.

John M. Logsdon, Ph.D., is a professor emeritus of political science and international affairs at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs after serving as director of school’s Space Policy Institute from 1987 to 2008. He is the author of “The Decision to Go to the Moon: Project Apollo and the National Interest,” a general editor of the eight-volume series “Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in the History of the U.S. Civil Space Program,” and has written numerous articles and reports on space policy and history.

Moderator

George W.S. Abbey is the Baker Botts Senior Fellow in Space Policy at the Baker Institute.

Update Jan.25.13: Here’s a review of the event: Lost in Space: The Need for a Definitive U.S. Space Policy? « Coalition for Space Exploration

And the video:

A discussion on safety and taking risks in human spaceflight : Caution and Boldness: Balancing Risk in Spaceflight – National Air and Space Museum Event

Caution and Boldness: Balancing Risk in Spaceflight
Friday, February 1
8:00 pm
Airbus IMAX Theater
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA

Featuring:
Dr. Steven J. Dick, astronomer, author and historian of science
Alan Ladwig, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA Public Outreach
Ken Mattingly, astronaut, Apollo 16, STS-4 and STS-51-C
Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Richard “Dick” Scobee, STS-41-C, STS-51-L and Founding Chair, Challenger Center

This program will commemorate and reflect on the challenges of human spaceflight, and consider possibilities for the future with the International Space Station and travel to other bodies in the solar system.

The lecture is for members of the Museum’s National Air and Space Society and their guests only. There is no charge for Society members to attend, but advance reservations are required. If you are already a member, visit airandspace.si.edu/membertickets to reserve tickets. If you would like to become a member, visit airandspace.si.edu/membership. Membership dues directly support the National Air and Space Museum and begin at just $35.

There will also be a buffet dinner reception before the lecture with the speakers for Society members at the Mercury Friendship 7 level and higher. For more information, call 202.633.2603 or email nasmmembership@si.edu.