The Senatorial Response

A few weeks back a Crewe-member posted on the comment board about the removal of funding for the Voyager program. Voyager has performed it's humble mission well and continues to do so, far beyond expectations. Inasmuch as Voyager is the farthest-traveled artifact of Humankind to date and is now approaching areas beyond the edge of our Solar System, I feel rather strongly that the $4 million dollars in question is a small price to pay for any data we might gain in return. Accordingly I sent an email to Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), being a fellow Floridian, to express my opinion. Here is the response:

"Dear Mr. Sunking:

Thank you for contacting me regarding funding for NASA. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and a member of its Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space, this issue is very important to me. Since its inception in 1958, NASA has accomplished many great scientific and technological feats in air and space. NASA technology has been adapted for many non-aerospace uses by the private sector. The agency remains a leading force in scientific research and in stimulating public interest in aerospace exploration, as well as science and technology in general. More importantly, our exploration of space has taught us to view the Earth, ourselves, and the universe in a new way. While the tremendous technical and scientific accomplishments of NASA demonstrate vividly that humans can achieve previously inconceivable feats, we also are humbled by the realization that Earth is just a tiny "blue marble" in the cosmos.

I strongly support increased funding for NASA. Our country must continue its strong commitment and leadership in space exploration. Recently I spoke before the full Senate conveying my support for our civil space program: "I want to express my concern that if we starve NASA of the funds it needs, particularly with regard to the space shuttle upgrades, that could endanger the safety of the space shuttle program. ... [NASA] shares the character of the American people, which is, by nature, we are explorers; we are adventurers. ... We want to continue to explore into the unknown, but we have to do that with the utmost of safety."

The tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia as it returned to Earth on February 1, 2003 cannot deter the United States from pursing its destiny in space. Space flight is a dangerous undertaking, and the loss of seven brave astronauts on the Columbia serves as a sad reminder of the enduring challenges and difficulties involved in space exploration. To honor the Columbia seven and the other astronauts who have given their lives in the U.S. space program, it is imperative that Americans recommit to adequate funding for NASA and space exploration. I will continue to fight for more funding for all NASA programs, including human space flight.Thank you for your interest in NASA. Be assured that I will continue to be a strong advocate to provide adequate funding to continue our country's commitment to space exploration."


Well, not a word about the Voyager Program, but he's either still committed to a failing technology and the funding to pay for it...or his staff hasn't upgraded this e-form letter to coincide with the year 2005. But at least I got a response that had the words 'space" and "NASA" in it and not the word 'donation'. I expect many of those in 2006, now that I'm on the mailing list. I think I'll follow-up and press him for a response to the specific question about Voyager.

By the way, a Googling of all the terms "Voyager", "NASA" and "JPL" and clicking "news" returns only the following news item....from the New Zealand Herald (?).

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&ObjectID=10350226

Write those elected representatives folks. Election year coming up. Let them know how you feel. I care about what you think (well......), but can't do anything about it! Stand up for what you believe in!!!