LETTERS

摘要

Your editorial "A Tough Loss for NASA" [March 31, page 18] repeats some unfortunate shibbo-leths that have taken hold in NASA. I refer to the parsing of issues along bureaucratic lines, and dividing space exploration into constituencies. The worst parsing has occurred with the separation of "science" and "exploration." Unfortunately "exploration" in the agency has become a euphemism for the rocket programs, and "science" is where the missions of planetary exploration are considered to be narrowly focused. The result is that we have a Vision for Space Exploration without a Vision. The Mars goal and science basis which was included in its original form are now put aside. Since the vision was announced, the Mars program has been cut every year, first in the Exploration Directorate, and then in the Science Directorate. The lack of public interest or identification with Constellation is, I believe, a consequence.