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.