Buzz Aldrin Released A Statment In Support Of New Space Initiatives.

“Statement from Buzz Aldrin: A New Direction in Space
Today I wish to endorse strongly the President’s new direction for NASA. As an
Apollo astronaut, I know the importance of always pushing new frontiers as we
explore space. The truth is, that we have already been to the Moon – some 40
years ago. A near-term focus on lowering the cost of access to space and on
developing key, cutting-edge technologies to take us further, faster, is just what our
Nation needs to maintain its position as the leader in space exploration for the rest
of this century. We need to be in this for the long haul, and this program will
allow us to again be pushing the boundaries to achieve new and challenging things
beyond Earth. I hope NASA will embrace this new direction as much as I do, and
help us all continue to use space exploration to drive prosperity and innovation
right here on Earth.
I also believe the steps we will be taking following the President’s direction will
best position NASA and other space agencies to send humans to Mars and other
exciting destinations as quickly as possible. To do that, we will need to support
many types of game-changing technologies NASA and its partners will be
developing. Mars is the next frontier for humankind, and NASA will be leading
the way there if we aggressively support the President’s plans.
Finally, I am excited to think that the development of commercial capabilities to
send humans into low earth orbit will likely result in so many more earthlings
being able to experience the transformative power of spaceflight. I can personally
attest to the fact that the experience results in a different perspective on life on
Earth, and on our future as a species. I applaud the President for working to make
this dream a reality.”
Buzz Aldrin
Feb. 1, 2010