Not sure how many saw this one over at the Sky&Telescope sight: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/home/125133359.html "Yesterday the House Appropriations Committee unveiled its spending plan<http://appropriations.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=250023>for the coming fiscal year. Rather than adding the needed funds to speed JWST along, the cost-conscious Congress is looking to make deep cuts in the space agency's budget. It proposes to provide NASA with $16.8 billion in fiscal 2012 — $1.6 billion less than in fiscal 2011 and $1.9 billion below President Obama’s request. Worse, the House committee specifically calls for the termination of the JWST project." "It's a shocking and unexpected turn for the next step after Hubble, which is due to cease operations later this decade. "In these austere budget times, a cut to the request was widely expected, but not to this extent," notes Marcia Smith<http://spacepolicyonline.com/pages/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1673>, a veteran space-policy analyst. The Committee is looking to make such deep reductions, in part, because Congress favors having NASA develop a new heavy-lift Space Launch System<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Launch_System>capable of sending crews beyond Earth orbit. The fiscal 2012 plan contains $1.9 billion to keep that program rolling." Looks like in the eyes of the House Committee that it is either Webb or a heavy launch vehicle system. What a shame it Webb is indeed canceled as they just finished polishing the mirror if I remember correctly. -- Jay Eads
I disagree with our government's financial priorities so fervently... Is there anything I can do besides writing letters to the committee members? Ian On Fri, Jul 8, 2011 at 3:09 PM, Jay Eads <jayleads@gmail.com> wrote:
Not sure how many saw this one over at the Sky&Telescope sight:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/home/125133359.html
"Yesterday the House Appropriations Committee unveiled its spending plan< http://appropriations.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=250023
for the coming fiscal year. Rather than adding the needed funds to speed JWST along, the cost-conscious Congress is looking to make deep cuts in the space agency's budget. It proposes to provide NASA with $16.8 billion in fiscal 2012 — $1.6 billion less than in fiscal 2011 and $1.9 billion below President Obama’s request. Worse, the House committee specifically calls for the termination of the JWST project."
"It's a shocking and unexpected turn for the next step after Hubble, which is due to cease operations later this decade. "In these austere budget times, a cut to the request was widely expected, but not to this extent," notes Marcia Smith< http://spacepolicyonline.com/pages/index.php?option=com_content&view=article...
, a veteran space-policy analyst. The Committee is looking to make such deep reductions, in part, because Congress favors having NASA develop a new heavy-lift Space Launch System<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Launch_System>capable of sending crews beyond Earth orbit. The fiscal 2012 plan contains $1.9 billion to keep that program rolling."
Looks like in the eyes of the House Committee that it is either Webb or a heavy launch vehicle system. What a shame it Webb is indeed canceled as they just finished polishing the mirror if I remember correctly.
-- Jay Eads _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
OUTRAGEOUS! ________________________________ From: Jay Eads <jayleads@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, July 8, 2011 3:09 PM Subject: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled? Not sure how many saw this one over at the Sky&Telescope sight: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/home/125133359.html "Yesterday the House Appropriations Committee unveiled its spending plan<http://appropriations.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=250023>for the coming fiscal year. Rather than adding the needed funds to speed JWST along, the cost-conscious Congress is looking to make deep cuts in the space agency's budget. It proposes to provide NASA with $16.8 billion in fiscal 2012 — $1.6 billion less than in fiscal 2011 and $1.9 billion below President Obama’s request. Worse, the House committee specifically calls for the termination of the JWST project." "It's a shocking and unexpected turn for the next step after Hubble, which is due to cease operations later this decade. "In these austere budget times, a cut to the request was widely expected, but not to this extent," notes Marcia Smith<http://spacepolicyonline.com/pages/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1673>, a veteran space-policy analyst. The Committee is looking to make such deep reductions, in part, because Congress favors having NASA develop a new heavy-lift Space Launch System<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Launch_System>capable of sending crews beyond Earth orbit. The fiscal 2012 plan contains $1.9 billion to keep that program rolling." Looks like in the eyes of the House Committee that it is either Webb or a heavy launch vehicle system. What a shame it Webb is indeed canceled as they just finished polishing the mirror if I remember correctly. -- Jay Eads _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
Don't get me wrong - I definitely want to see JWST launched. But, this thing is already so over budget and schedule and so complex. If it slips to 2018 it will be much more over budget. I think with JWST we've reached the limits of size and complexity that are possible without having the ability to service the instrument. In other words, they have to make sure that everything works right the first time or you will have $7B+ of space junk. In the future, any space telescope larger or more complex than this will have "some assembly required" in space by astronauts. Clear skies, Dale.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah- astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Wiggins Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:06 PM To: Utah Astronomy Cc: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled?
On Jul 8, 2011, at 16:48, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
OUTRAGEOUS!
But not entirely unexpected...
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
I agree. It is sad to see it being pushed back time and time again but obviously we are not ready to do a project like this without massive cost overruns. There is a point where you just have to enough! Do we really have the technology and political will to do this type of project? I think the answer may be NO on both counts. With new technologies Earth based telescopes may be able to do much the JWST job at a fraction of the cost. I'm sure this will be considered in any final decision. I have no doubt there will be new telescopes in space but maybe not this one, not yet anyway. Till then we have the Hubble which is still operating beautifully. Bob -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dale Hooper Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:23 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled? Don't get me wrong - I definitely want to see JWST launched. But, this thing is already so over budget and schedule and so complex. If it slips to 2018 it will be much more over budget. I think with JWST we've reached the limits of size and complexity that are possible without having the ability to service the instrument. In other words, they have to make sure that everything works right the first time or you will have $7B+ of space junk. In the future, any space telescope larger or more complex than this will have "some assembly required" in space by astronauts. Clear skies, Dale.
Well, it still needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president. Even the Constellation program is not "officially" canceled until congress does so, although does seem likely they will. It was also plagued by huge cost overruns.
I do agree with Garn who thought it was a tragedy not to have a replacement for the shuttle before it was cancelled. Seems to me that mistake was made long before Obama. I did find it interesting that an article claimed Obama canceled the shuttle program. Any votes for tax increases? I agree. It is sad to see it being pushed back time and time again but
obviously we are not ready to do a project like this without massive cost overruns. There is a point where you just have to enough! Do we really have the technology and political will to do this type of project? I think the answer may be NO on both counts. With new technologies Earth based telescopes may be able to do much the JWST job at a fraction of the cost. I'm sure this will be considered in any final decision.
I have no doubt there will be new telescopes in space but maybe not this one, not yet anyway. Till then we have the Hubble which is still operating beautifully.
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dale Hooper Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:23 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled?
Don't get me wrong - I definitely want to see JWST launched. But, this thing is already so over budget and schedule and so complex. If it slips to 2018 it will be much more over budget. I think with JWST we've reached the limits of size and complexity that are possible without having the ability to service the instrument.
In other words, they have to make sure that everything works right the first time or you will have $7B+ of space junk. In the future, any space telescope larger or more complex than this will have "some assembly required" in space by astronauts.
Clear skies, Dale.
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
I vote for tax increases -- for those who don't pay their fair share! -- Joe ________________________________ From: "erikhansen@thebluezone.net" <erikhansen@thebluezone.net> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled?
Well, it still needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president. Even the Constellation program is not "officially" canceled until congress does so, although does seem likely they will. It was also plagued by huge cost overruns.
I do agree with Garn who thought it was a tragedy not to have a replacement for the shuttle before it was cancelled. Seems to me that mistake was made long before Obama. I did find it interesting that an article claimed Obama canceled the shuttle program. Any votes for tax increases? I agree. It is sad to see it being pushed back time and time again but
obviously we are not ready to do a project like this without massive cost overruns. There is a point where you just have to enough! Do we really have the technology and political will to do this type of project? I think the answer may be NO on both counts. With new technologies Earth based telescopes may be able to do much the JWST job at a fraction of the cost. I'm sure this will be considered in any final decision.
I have no doubt there will be new telescopes in space but maybe not this one, not yet anyway. Till then we have the Hubble which is still operating beautifully.
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dale Hooper Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:23 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled?
Don't get me wrong - I definitely want to see JWST launched. But, this thing is already so over budget and schedule and so complex. If it slips to 2018 it will be much more over budget. I think with JWST we've reached the limits of size and complexity that are possible without having the ability to service the instrument.
In other words, they have to make sure that everything works right the first time or you will have $7B+ of space junk. In the future, any space telescope larger or more complex than this will have "some assembly required" in space by astronauts.
Clear skies, Dale.
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
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I vote for tax increases too, money is just worthless paper until you use it. You just gotta get the timing right. Ian On Sat, Jul 9, 2011 at 10:49 AM, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
I vote for tax increases -- for those who don't pay their fair share! -- Joe
________________________________ From: "erikhansen@thebluezone.net" <erikhansen@thebluezone.net> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled?
Well, it still needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president. Even the Constellation program is not "officially" canceled until congress does so, although does seem likely they will. It was also plagued by huge cost overruns.
I do agree with Garn who thought it was a tragedy not to have a replacement for the shuttle before it was cancelled. Seems to me that mistake was made long before Obama. I did find it interesting that an article claimed Obama canceled the shuttle program.
Any votes for tax increases?
I agree. It is sad to see it being pushed back time and time again but
obviously we are not ready to do a project like this without massive cost overruns. There is a point where you just have to enough! Do we really have the technology and political will to do this type of project? I think the answer may be NO on both counts. With new technologies Earth based telescopes may be able to do much the JWST job at a fraction of the cost. I'm sure this will be considered in any final decision.
I have no doubt there will be new telescopes in space but maybe not this one, not yet anyway. Till then we have the Hubble which is still operating beautifully.
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dale Hooper Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:23 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled?
Don't get me wrong - I definitely want to see JWST launched. But, this thing is already so over budget and schedule and so complex. If it slips to 2018 it will be much more over budget. I think with JWST we've reached the limits of size and complexity that are possible without having the ability to service the instrument.
In other words, they have to make sure that everything works right the first time or you will have $7B+ of space junk. In the future, any space telescope larger or more complex than this will have "some assembly required" in space by astronauts.
Clear skies, Dale.
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php
NEOs! Asteroids Upcoming for July/ Aug 2011 update Projected NEO debris activity associated with potential Earth meteor encounters. I expect that we will see possible increased bolide /fireball /meteor activity from 20JULY ~ 26JUL2011 just prior to or just after closer encounters with NEOs (2007 RQ17) and (2007 DD). At time of this post there will still be more NEOs discovered so updates are expected. Cameras ready! - LunarMeteorite*Hunter, Tokyo ;O! For the very latest info please check: http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/ca/ http://lunarmeteoritehunters.blogspot.com/2011/07/neos-asteroids-upcoming-fo r-july-aug.html
So one disastrous cancellation (humans in space) begets another (JWST). Great. Just great. -- Joe ________________________________ From: Dale Hooper <Dale.Hooper@sdl.usu.edu> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, July 8, 2011 5:23 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled? Don't get me wrong - I definitely want to see JWST launched. But, this thing is already so over budget and schedule and so complex. If it slips to 2018 it will be much more over budget. I think with JWST we've reached the limits of size and complexity that are possible without having the ability to service the instrument. In other words, they have to make sure that everything works right the first time or you will have $7B+ of space junk. In the future, any space telescope larger or more complex than this will have "some assembly required" in space by astronauts. Clear skies, Dale.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah- astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Wiggins Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:06 PM To: Utah Astronomy Cc: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled?
On Jul 8, 2011, at 16:48, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
OUTRAGEOUS!
But not entirely unexpected...
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More from the Planetary Society: http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00003094/ patrick
participants (8)
-
Barrett -
Dale Hooper -
erikhansen＠thebluezone.net -
Ian Glenn -
Jay Eads -
Joe Bauman -
Patrick Wiggins -
Robert Taylor