(Aero-Space Technology) Senate Rpt.107-222 VA-HUD Appropriations Bill 2003
Aero-Space Technology
NASA’s Aerospace Technology Enterprise
works to maintain U.S. preeminence in aerospace research and technology.
The Enterprise aims to radically improve air travel, making it safer,
faster, and quieter as well as more affordable, accessible, and
environmentally sound. The Enterprise is also working to develop more
affordable, reliable, and safe access to space; improve the way in which
air and space vehicles are designed and built; and ensure new aerospace
technologies are available to benefit the public.
The Committee is concerned about the status of aerospace technology
within NASA’s budget and emphasizes the important role that NASA plays
in developing new aerospace technologies that are key to the continued
development of such aircraft needs as long range aircraft, supersonic
transports, global reach transports as well as cost-effective access to
space. The Committee especially is interested in the viability of
“intelligent” engine systems such as “Propulsion 21” which could
build on current investments in the Ultra Efficient Engine Technology
(UEET) and Quiet Aircraft Technology (QAT) because of the potential
benefits to the U.S. aerospace industry.
However, the Committee recognizes that the budget will not permit the
funding of all proposals or promising technologies. The Committee also
believes that the development of aerospace technologies must be based in
public/private partnerships guided by cost-sharing principles.
Therefore, the Committee directs NASA to submit a report by August 30,
2003 on NASA’s 5-year investment plan for aerospace technology including
a list of technology goals and priorities, funding needs of these goals
and priorities, the criteria used for selecting these priorities and
goals, and the nature of the public-private partnership in reaching
these priorities and goals.
The Committee makes the following adjustments to the budget request:
An increase of $3,000,000 for the Chesapeake Information Based
Aeronautics Consortium based in partnership at Morgan State University,
Baltimore, Maryland, Bowie State University and the University of
Maryland, Eastern Shore.
An increase of $3,000,000 for the Stennis Space Center for the
development of a visitors center.
An increase of $1,000,000 for the Educational Training Center at the
U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
An increase of $3,000,000 for the Alabama Science Center Alliance
(Sci Quest) for the acquisition of addition “immersive reality
laboratories” and networking capacity.
An increase of $2,000,000 for the University of Alabama in Huntsville
to augment the UAH Propulsion Test Facility.
An increase of $750,000 for the National Institute for Aviation
Research for icing aviation safety research in Kansas;
An increase of $1,500,000 for the Glenn Research Center for the
Glennan Microsystems Initiative.
An increase of $1,000,000 for the Glenn Research Center for the
Garrett Morgan Commercialization Initiative.
An increase of $7,000,000 to build on investments in the Ultra
Efficient Engine Technology and Quiet Aircraft Technology by
demonstrating related engine technology including low noise, active
control of engine air flows and combustion processes, emissions and fuel
reduction concepts and a “virtual engine simulation” capability.
An increase of $4,500,000 to for propulsion test complex upgrades at
the Stennis Space Center. An increase of $2,000,000 for the National
Technology Transfer Center at Wheeling Jesuit University.
Aviation .–The Committee has provided $541,400,000 for aviation
programs, the same as the budget request. This includes funding for
aviation safety, vehicle systems and airspace systems programs.
Advanced Space Transportation .–The Committee recommends
$849,400,000 for advanced space transportation.
Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (SLI). –Within the amount
provided for Advanced Space Transportation, the Committee provides
$729,200,000 for development of the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch
Vehicle, $30,000,000 below the budget request and $262,200,000 more than
the fiscal year 2002 enacted level. The Committee supports the Space
Launch Initiative as a necessary step towards finding a cost effective
replacement for the Space Shuttle.
The Committee recognizes the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) as a
launch and recovery site for next generation launch vehicles and small
commercial and scientific payloads. The Committee directs the Marshall
Space Flight Center (MSFC) to utilize the WFF as a site for testing and
demonstration of new launch vehicles and technology development. The
Committee directs NASA to report to Congress by January 31, 2003 on how
the MSFC will utilize Wallops as a testing and launch facility.
Revolutionary Technology .–The Committee has provided $274,900,000
for revolutionary technology development, the same as the budget
request. Funding in this initiative includes computing, information and
communications technology, engineering for complex systems and enabling
concepts and technologies.
Commercial Technology .–The Committee recommends $146,900,000 for
commercial technology development including commercial technology
transfer and the Small Business Innovation Research Programs. This is
the same amount as the budget request.
Aerospace Institutional Support .–The Committee recommends
$973,200,000 for aerospace institutional support, the same as the budget
request.
