NASA Stennis Center Director Blog: Finding our place in the puzzle

Puzzles. I never liked them. Big ones took too much patience. Places to start and stop weren’t defined. That’s probably why I liked to color; staying within the lines was expected.

The status of human spaceflight is currently a jigsaw puzzle. We are still working within the parameters of the “Vision for Space Exploration” of the previous administration. Our work to complete assembly of the International Space Station and end shuttle flights is nearing an end. The President has commissioned the Augustine Panel to review all aspects of human spaceflight and offer within-budget options. How and how long should the station be operated? Is the Constellation architecture the right one? Should the shuttle be extended? What portions could commercial interests accomplish? What should be the role of government? These are all just pieces to be considered. These and many more only address how humans in space fit in the larger image.

We work in this segment. It is our universe, and we frequently believe its justification is unassailable. Is it? How does this handful of irregular shapes mesh within the infinitely complex vista? Where do we fit with an economic downturn, healthcare, national defense, climate change, pick an issue? What is our payback? When?

Questions regarding value of the space program were being written as ink dried on the original Space Act. They remain valid today. I believe the technological state of the world evolved from the Apollo program. I believe its true benefit is incalculable. Critics say “that’s the point.” My reading of history shows great civilizations collapse inwardly when they cease to explore; others say, “History is bunk.” With limited resources to address unlimited needs, these debates will continue. We live in the world…..it is a puzzle.

We don’t define the picture. Most of us don’t participate in the debate. We do demonstrate our relevance by our performance; it is all we control. It is not trivial. We work in a complex environment where single mistakes can be catastrophic. It demands contingency planning, cooperation, flawless performance and due diligence for the taxpayers, our stakeholders. Where we fit in the national puzzle is decided by others as policy. Whether we are ready for placement is something we influence.

Puzzles…….arrghh!

Gene Goldman, Center Director, NASA Stennis Space Center