Bridenstine Speaks at NASA Advisory Council Meeting

TL;DR

Jim Breinstein, NASA Administrator, discusses the agency's future plans, including returning to the Moon sustainably, commercializing low-earth orbit, and protecting the space environment. He emphasizes the importance of engaging the public and inspiring the next generation in STEM fields.

Transcript

i have the distinct pleasure to introduce the our administrator administrator jim breinstein was nominated by president ronald president donald trump confirmed by the u.s senate and sworn in as nasa's 13th administrator on april 23 2018. jim was elected in 2012 to represent oklahoma's first congressional district in the u.s house of representatives... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌱 NASA plans to return to the Moon sustainably, utilizing commercial and international partnerships and resources found on the Moon.
• 😘 The agency aims to commercialize low-earth orbit, leveraging private sector capabilities and creating a regulatory environment to support commercial activities.
• 👾 Protecting the space environment and developing capabilities for space situational awareness and space traffic management are priorities for NASA.
• 👾 The agency is committed to inspiring the next generation in STEM fields and engaging the public in the importance of space exploration.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Space Policy Directive One and what does it entail?

Space Policy Directive One, signed by President Donald Trump, outlines NASA's goal of returning to the Moon sustainably. This involves utilizing commercial and international partners, developing reusable technologies, and utilizing the resources found on the Moon.

Q: How does NASA plan to commercialize low-earth orbit?

NASA aims to partner with private companies to establish a business case for human space flight in low-earth orbit. This includes utilizing excess seats on commercial crew missions for commercial activities, allowing astronauts to pursue endorsements and media opportunities, and exploring branding and naming rights for NASA's spacecraft.

Q: What is the purpose of the newly formed Regulatory and Policy Committee?

The Regulatory and Policy Committee, comprised of experts in commercial space development, will address barriers and provide advice on commercializing low-earth orbit, revising international agreements, streamlining regulations, and ensuring space traffic management and the protection of celestial bodies.

Q: How does NASA prioritize its science missions?

NASA follows guidance from the National Academy of Sciences' decadal surveys, which provide recommendations on the priorities for science research. Additionally, NASA aims to explore unanswered questions about the Moon and collaborate with the scientific community to optimize the use of infrastructure near the Moon and on its surface.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jim Breinstein highlights NASA's plans to return to the Moon sustainably by leveraging commercial and international partnerships.

• He discusses the importance of commercializing low-earth orbit and creating a regulatory environment that supports private sector activities.

• Breinstein emphasizes the need to protect the space environment and develop capabilities for space situational awareness and space traffic management.