TUCSON – Today the Planetary Science Institute announced that it has joined Science Debate 2008, a major effort to mount a presidential debate on science, technology and their importance to the American economy before the November election.
In a statement released by the PSI Board of Trustees, “Science and engineering are core drivers of the modern American economy and are underpinned by basic research. In an increasingly global economy, our future competitiveness depends upon our willingness to invest in the creation of new knowledge. A presidential debate focusing on science, technology and their importance to the American economy provides critical input into the national political debate over what future we will embrace.”
One of the many science and technology issues facing the next President will be the future of American space exploration. Plans to replace the space shuttle, complete and abandon the space station, and return to the Moon, then on to Mars, have come under increasing criticism from Congress and scientists as costs have continued to increase. “Human space flight and robotic exploration of the solar system has been a hallmark of American innovation and initiative for nearly 50 years.” says Mark Sykes, PSI Director and CEO. “We need to maintain our capability of getting people to low-Earth orbit, but efforts to move significantly beyond that in any meaningful way will be cost-prohibitive until we take on the real challenge of identifying and learning how to utilize accessible resources moving by the Earth, such as asteroids. This requires vision and leadership that is practical and committed.”
Information on Science Debate 2008 may be found at http://www.sciencedebate2008.com
Founded in 1972, the Planetary Science Institute is a private non-profit corporation with headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, and scientists in 12 states, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Russia and Japan.
