On the recordJuly 21, 2011
Shuttle Atlantis returned to Earth at daybreak this morning, and it marked the end of America's 30-year shuttle history of scientific and engineering excellence in space. I am a strong believer in American exceptionalism, and at its heart, the story of America's exploration of space is a story of American exceptionalism. No other nation has mastered manned space flight like the United States, launched anything like the Hubble Space Telescope, or led efforts like the international space station. Forty-two years ago today, Americans first walked on the Moon. No other nation has come close to matching this achievement. But I am deeply concerned about America's future greatness. Today, the path forward for our space program is unclear. Save for empty political rhetoric, President Obama has been unwilling to lead or articulate a vision for future American endeavors in space. The Defense Department fears that the loss of our civilian space program will erode our aerospace industry base and threaten our technological edge in all fields. As a result, we are left relying on Vladimir Putin for rides into orbit. This is unacceptable and it's un- American. I hope we will reform Washington's habit of borrowing and spending. And after we have cut, capped, and balanced, it's time to lead again in space. It's time again for American exceptionalism. ____________________
