End of manned NASA space travel.

[surfgun]

It would appear the U.S. is out of manned space exploration business. The Obama administration has de-funded:( the Ares 1 and 5 Boosters (the expected replacement for the soon to retire Space Shuttle program). Is this to make the U.S. more "equal" with other nations of the World? It appears to be another step towards the end of American exceptionalism?

[Parihaka]

It's to be expected. Since Kennedy offered the challenge I can't think of a single time where society has placed it's brightest and best as a priority. From the early damage done by Mondale through to this final death nell, the constant catchcry is 'why should we spend this when people are poor?"
Well, forty years on US exploration is dead and people are still poor.

Something most countries and all political parties do is constantly pander to the weakest and worst while consistantly failing to challenge the best. What a waste.

[diablo49]

By what i've read this budget hasn't been passed yet. Hopefully the multiple state interests in the ares program will keep it from being demolished by short sightedness.

[highsea]

Obama is going to re-task NASA to focus on climate change.

Lovely. The one organization that used to be the gold standard will now be concentrating on junk science.

[nebula82]

This is rather unfortunate. The worst-case scenario has been realised, but let’s face it, domestic social programs must be given priority. I’m pretty sure if you asked people whether the government should spend money on health care or on space, most people would choose the former.

On the upside at least the private spaceflight industry is growing rapidly, so there will still be people going into space in the future.

Nebula82.

[highsea]

Only NASA's budget isn't being cut- it's going up. So it's not a question of saving money, it's about pushing the climate agenda.

[surfgun]

Both NASA and CIA are being recruited to push the political agenda of "Global Warming". The CIA has been reportedly tasking some satellites to look at ice flows, rather than searching out terrorists. Go figure!?

[astralis]

surfgun,

The CIA has been reportedly tasking some satellites to look at ice flows, rather than searching out terrorists.

come back when you learn about satellite orbits.

[Army5339]

Honestly, I'd rather see the private sector take over space exploration/travel, as for the past few decades, the government has botched it pretty bad, and actually prevented technical progress.

[biteasaur]

..

they are realy making some great decisions in this administration.china will beat us to the moon and mars.i mean back to the moon 40 to 50 years later for peats sake..

[Chunder]

Both NASA and CIA are being recruited to push the political agenda of "Global Warming". The CIA has been reportedly tasking some satellites to look at ice flows, rather than searching out terrorists. Go figure!?

Yeah this is all just another Obama hegemonic plot to destabilise and destroy the U.S's best institutions and programs as part of his embedded socialist mentality...

Why don't you justify your POV before hopping on the CIA sponsored Cape Canaveral Clean Coal Train for the disenchanted.

[diablo49]

Obama to Back New Heavy Rocket, Bigger NASA Budget, Cancel Ares 1 [Nasa] - Tech News Daily

this site gives a bit a more optimistic take on the proposed budget, highlighting the development of a ''simpler'' heavy lift rocket and expanding our satellite fleet, as well as focusing on international cooperation with allies (canada, europe, japan) for returning to the moon ( lunar base modules and a lander would be tasked to them).

Im hardly knowledgable on the subject, but noticing most of the posts felt negative on this, thought i'd give a site that shows other more positive aspects of the budget.

edit: here is another forum with some thoughts on this. Space.com Forums | View topic - Obama withdrawals funding for constellation

[Parihaka]

Ares I & V are the 'simple' lift options for manned HEO/Moon missions. While the Ares IV is possible for manned moon exploration, it would be limited to Apollo type projects with minimal lift capabilities and duration. What Ares IV is ideal for is unmanned satellite lifts.
When does the budget come out?

[Parihaka]

Obama to Back New Heavy Rocket, Bigger NASA Budget, Cancel Ares 1 [Nasa] - Tech News Daily

P.S., from the link

The extra funding will serve to create a new, simpler heavy lift rocket, as well as to increase the fleet of satellites controlling Earth’s land, oceans, and atmosphere.

That sure would be one hell of an advance in our capabilities

[highsea]

...When does the budget come out?

Came out today. $3.8 trillion. They showed it being delivered to the Senate Budget committee this morning on 2 big motorized pallet jacks.

It'll be a few days for folks to sort through it.