Betty Bolté

Okay, let's face it. Change is inevitable. We have to deal with it. But sometimes it's just not what we want or expect. At least, that's the way I feel right now about the new presidential proposed budget for 2011. Especially with regards to NASA's direction changing yet again. I feel sorry for the engineers and designers who have worked so hard to develop the Ares launch vehicle and the new Orion crew exploration vehicle, because they did so at the direction of a previous president's vision. Sigh. The Administration changes, and so does the vision, and thus the direction given to NASA. So all the money that was spent, all the time invested, all the personal time sacrified to meet tight deadlines, was for nothing. At least as far as the Constellation Program is concerned. Sure some of the technology will transition, but it's the sense of betrayal that accompanies that which hurts. I support the Ares Project as a contractor and thus have a vested interest in its continuation. BUT -- I have been proud to be working on this project. It has felt meaningful and important, up until February 1, that is. It is painful to contemplate letting it go in order to work on something different. At least until the current president is no longer in office. Will it change yet again with the next Administration? I hope not, but who can say? I just wanted to share a touch of the sense of frustration surrounding the proposed (note that it has not been approved by congress yet!) budget. What do you think about all this? Is space exploration important to you?