The NASA Administrators' Forum

Mr. James Oberg moderated the NASA Administrator\'s Forum featuring Hon. James E. Beggs, Hon. Robert Frosch, Ph.D., and Vice Adm. Richard H Truly (ret.). The former administrators began the discussion talking about the changes in the space industry since their time of service as Administrator. These included an increase in the speed of communication, congressional earmarks, and the consolidation of the industry. However, much of the same rhetoric that was voiced thirty years ago is being repeated today. Each of the panelists commented on what the role of a NASA Administrator is and should be. The position requires someone who advocates space and the view of NASA, but also represents the views of the Presidential administration and Congress. It is important for an Administrator to ensure NASA\'s civil servants believe and support the agency\'s program and are able to work together to achieve common goals. It is also critical that the funds allocated to NASA are not disconnected from the expectations of the agency. The panel recommended that the future NASA leaders seek council from former Administrators to learn from historical issues and mistakes. The panelists were asked for their opinions on the Vision for Space Exploration and the gap between the retirement of the Space Shuttle and the launch of the Orion vehicle. The panel noted that there had been a gap between Apollo and Space Shuttle that lasted longer than planned. The gap is something that the United States and NASA have survived before, and will be able to handle again. It is unlikely that the current plan to return to the Moon and then send humans to Mars will remain static through multiple administrations.