The latest on NASA spending bill for FY2011

I know that some of you have an interest in what happens to NASA in these difficult times. This afternoon, the Senate has released their draft language for what appropriations they are considering supporting in FY 2011 (which by the way began OCT 01 of this year). Look for a final Congressional appropriations vote by midnight Saturday in the form of an all encompassing omnibus bill. Our fate rests in the hands of those with little knowledge of our nation's aerospace legacy and destiny.......

Tom and I will be VERY intersted and concerned as to how this plays out as we and the future of space access are directly affected.

FloridaBob

"A draft omnibus spending bill released today by U.S. Senate appropriators would give NASA $18.9 billion in the 2011 fiscal year and allow the agency to begin its post-Constellation program future. Here's a summary of the proposed spending plan:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – The agreement provides $18.9 billion for NASA, $186 million above the Fiscal Year 2010 level and $90 million less than the President’s request.
The total funding includes $989.1 million for base Space Shuttle operations; $2.7 billion for Space Station operations; $825 million for an additional Shuttle flight, if determined to be safe, and for launch infrastructure for the heavy lift rocket; $3 billion for development of the Orion multipurpose crew vehicle and the heavy lift launch vehicle; $5 billion for science; $580 million for aeronautics; and $559 million for space and exploration technology research.
It funds the agreement embodied in the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 to restructure NASA’s human spaceflight programs. It funds increases in science and aeronautics research, provides for development of a new heavy lift launch vehicle and Orion crew capsule for exploring beyond low-Earth orbit, extends the life of the International Space Station through 2020, supports the burgeoning commercial space industry, invests in new technology development, and allows one additional Space Shuttle flight, if determined to be safe."

THANKS BOB!!!!!! Technological advancements is one of THE pinnacle accolades of this Nation......and radiates into all facets of our lives on planet Earth; yet, is very hard for us to see. If only to educate folks on the paramount criticality of human advancement. Order-of-magnatude is hard to measure! ---- Will call you tomorrow......for updated status of my recent escapade(s)......read = quest!