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In the history of take-offs, it’s not the most auspicious. Or historic. But on Tuesday, Ares 1-X rocket is slated to launch at Kennedy Space Center. The launch comes on the heels of a less than enthusiastic plug by the Augustine Commission, a blue-ribbon panel that spent this past year reviewing the future of the US space program.
The findings of the report, released the other day, offer no surprises; as had been anticipated, the report outlined a series of options including tapping private companies to provide astronauts with the ride to low-Earth orbit. The report also endorsed replacing Moon landings with the “flexible path” approach.
Space exploration: What’s next?
You don’t have to read the Augustine Commission’s full 157-page report to get the inside scoop. You can ask Norm Augustine, a retired aerospace industry executive who chaired the commission, yourself. On Wed., Dec. 2, Augustine will speak to Potomac Officers Club on the committee’s findings and — most critically — what role private companies can play in the future of US space exploration. Details here.
