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Post from Ferris Valyn's Obama Space blog:

Of Obama, Richardson, and Space

By Ferris Valyn - Mar 23rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm EDT

Also listed in: Aerospace supporters for Obama | Fly Us To The Moon | Space Policy Advisory Group

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Tags: NASA, richardson, space

This week, Governor Bill Richardson endorsed Senator Barack Obama. Governor Richardson was clearly inspired by Obama's speech. Now, the question is, will he be able to provide counsel to Senator Obama (and to an Obama administration, should that happen). And in particular, my hope is that Richardson will be able to provide counsel to Senator Obama on the issue of space policy. Please join me over the fold

I have, more than once, commented on Senator Obama's space policy. It has me concerned, and as the candidate of change, of the 2 things that have come from the Obama campaign, the proposed cuts in Orion for education, and the released proposal, from January, it really seemed like more of the same, when it came to space policy. And we can no longer afford the traditional model of space policy - we must have something that is better, can address needs, and is responsive. And that means embracing NewSpace

Governor Richardson has been among the agents of change, within the space community. Instead of simply pursuing the traditional model of space policy as large scale pork (which cannot be said for certain other states), Governor Richardson has invested in a developing a new industry. Through partnerships with the X Prize Foundation, and hosting of the X Prize Cup, as well as the creation of Spaceport America, the State of New Mexico, and Governor Richardson, will reap the benefits of being early investors in an industry that will last far into the future. It is this kind of foresight that needs to take place within space policy.

What was released in January and November was not change or transformative - in some respects, it was some of the worst parts of more of the same. But from Senator Obama's comments, I don't think he wants to, or plans on, doing the same. I believe he does realize that our space policy must change. But a good part of that change must come in the form of embracing the NewSpace paradigm. And here, Bill Richardson has excellent history, and a clear understanding, of how and why we need to invest in Space - why its more than just inspiration, and scientific understanding. I've demonstrated how the Space economy can and should be embraced (read part one here, and part two here, and part three here), and Governor Richardson understands this. And it doesn't just end with economic growth - there are other aspects as well, like space based solar power.

But we don't get access to those resources and opportunities if we don't invest in them. Senator Obama, embrace the NewSpace paradigm - look beyond inspiration and science, and utilize Richardson's personal knowledge and experience. And, should you win the nomination and pick Richardson as your VP nominee, trust his judgment when it comes to space and Nasa policy.

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Richardson will be busy- that's sure | Report to Admin

By John Messerly Mar 25th 2008 at 10:36 pm EDT

I wasn't aware of his space credentials.

Far and away the historic thing that Richardson could do is negotiate an energy agreement with China.

If China and America can work together to prevent titanic famines due to our massive increases in CO2 emissions over the last century, then it will be a monumental achievment. I am not engaging in idle hyperbole here- read any GW expert's comments about China. All bets are off on climate change if they are not on board. The guy that pulls this off must know diplomacy and he must know energy policy.

Name someone else that is a better fit for this.

Re: Richardson will be busy- that's sure | Report to Admin

By Ferris Valyn May 31st 2008 at 10:36 pm EDT

Well, wouldn't he be able to command that much more respect as VP? So when he goes to china, he's that much bigger? Besides, I'd argue that dealing with energy can be done vis-a-vie space based solar power.

However, neither of those have much to do with the main point - that Richardson has great space cred, with his work at Spaceport America

I Support Space Policy Changes | Report to Admin

By Tammy Apr 23rd 2008 at 3:47 am EDT

I, too, did not realize Gov. Richardson's support of the changing space industry. I agree that our space policy must change and that we are at a cusp where if the policy is changed and funded, space science and resources will provide the American people a huge return on our investment. I definitely hope Barack will listen to us and usher in a better space age for us.

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