William F. Smith: “I support NASA's new space exploration vision. Americans might ask: What is that vision? It means we are committed to…”

“I support NASA's new space exploration vision. Americans might ask: What is that vision? It means we are committed to these goals-- Return the space shuttle to flight; Complete the International Space Station; Develop the Crew Exploration Vehicle; Go back to the Moon; Go to Mars; Increase NASA funding by almost 6 percent. This new space exploration vision is a turning point for NASA. We know there are inherent risks that come with space exploration, which is the pursuit of new knowledge and new worlds. Skepticism and doubt are often linked to NASA and its goals. But history provides the answers to those concerns. The Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs culminated in a great achievement: landing an astronaut on the moon. In the past 45 years, NASA's explorations and scientific experiments have led to technological breakthroughs that have changed our lives. They include a heart pump implant system that prolongs lives, smoke detectors that have saved thousands from death and shape memory metal used in eyeglasses and golf clubs that make them bendable. Advancements have also included the unexpected, such as a new line of shock- absorbing athletic shoes. I believe the new space exploration vision is affordable and achievable. To succeed it requires congressional support, leadership from the White House, and an unwavering belief that the impossible can one day become the possible.”