FYI,

"Wanted! Your Views On America's Space Program Goals"
Space.com
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20090113/sc_space/wantedyourviewsonameri
casspaceprogramgoals

: It's time to put your 21st century thinking cap because you've been
: invited to take part in a new study into why the U.S. has a space
: program.

: The new study "Rationale and Goals of the U.S. Civil Space Program"
: is looking for the public's view on the following questions:

: What's the future of human, robotic, commercial, and personal
: spaceflight? Is your life impacted in a meaningful way by the space
: program? What kind of emphasis should the space program represent
: in going forward? How can the country's civil, or non-military,
: space program address key national issues?

: Views - positive or negative - of the general public are welcomed.

: This study is sponsored exclusively by The National Academies, and
: it is not receiving any funds from government agencies or any other
: external sources. The assessment is a joint effort of the Space
: Studies Board and Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board.

: "Specifically, we are anxious to hear a broad range of views from
: the public, including people from outside and inside traditional
: space interest sectors," said Joe Alexander, study director for the
: appraisal. The effort is geared to explore the long-range rationale
: and goals of the civil space program, he told SPACE.com.

: Best objective judgment

: The ad hoc committee will prepare a report to advise the nation on
: key goals and critical issues in 21st century U.S. space policy.
: Furthermore, the committee's to-do list includes:

: - Identifying overarching goals that are important for our national
: interest.

: - Identifying issues that are critically important to achieving
: these goals and ensuring the future progress of the U.S. space
: activities.

: - Discussing options to address unresolved issues.

: - Using its best objective judgment and recognizing other national
: priorities, the committee will explore a possible long term future
: for U.S. space activities that is built upon lessons learned and
: past successes; is based on realistic expectations of future
: resources; and is credible scientifically, technically, and
: politically.

: What to do next?

: First of all, visit the study's Web site.

Rationale and Goals of the U.S. Civil Space Program
A Joint Space Studies Board and Aeronautics and Space Engineering
Board Study
Questionnaire for Public Input
http://www7.nationalacademies.org/ssb/rationale_goals_civil_space.html

Questionnaire
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/survey/deps/ssbcivilspace.htm

: Please provide input by January 30, 2009!

: Once there, you'll find a summary of the study charge, the
: committee roster, and also a questionnaire that can be
: completed and returned to the study group.

: Note: Those wishing to take part are asked to provide their
: input by January 30, 2009!

Mark Reiff