He became known as the Florida Sen. Bill Nelson
Clarence (Bill) William Nelson BEST ENERGY: Obama leader NOAA joins Biden White House in climate role | Study: Climate change could reduce credit ratings of 60 countries NASA climate official says agency has ‘renewed pressure’ on practical science applications NASA climate official says agency has ‘renewed emphasis’ on practical science applications 12:30 at Hill Report – Displayed by Facebook – CDC updates instructions for MORE students (D) being the next NASA administrator proves, if he does anything, that it is a turning world.
Back in November 2017, when Nelson was chairman of the Senate Trade Committee, during confirmation hearings he shone at that time — Rep. Jim Bridenstine
James (Jim) Frederick BridenstineBiden to nominate Bill Nelson as head of NASA: reports Biden’s administration supports NASA’s Artemis, Space Force Will Biden follow NASA’s Artemis program to return to the moon? MORE (R-Okla.) And he asserted that a politician had no call to become the leader of an American space agency. An aerospace job, meaning engineer, manager or astronaut, would be more suitable for the job.
Probably because, despite Nelson’s best efforts, Bridenstine at least won confirmation and then went on to become the most famous NASA administrator from James Webb, the former Florida senator has been change that assessment. A politician can, after all, do a good job directing America’s space program. In fact, on that basis, Bridenstine has backed Nelson ‘s nomination, setting aside individual personal matters for what he sees as NASA’ s best interests. However, the case should come up at Nelson ‘s confirmation hearings just to see how he gets a response.
Bridenstine put his political skills to good use running NASA and promoting Artemis’ return to the lunar program. He left a backstory and sold the program to members of Congress, foreign leaders, business tycoons and the general public. As a result, when Bridenstine retired from NASA, the incoming administration supported the Artemis program. He asserted that a NASA politician could run and run well. People of all political persuasions mourned the passing of Bridenstine to the private sector.
However, the idea that Nelson is right for the job just because he is a politician also becomes questionable when one examines his record. If Bridenstine could be considered a Master of Jedi politics where space is concerned, Nelson is more like a Sith lord.
In addition to taking Bridenstine to the Star Room of a confirmation hearing, Nelson has on several occasions played politics for suspicious purposes.
While Nelson was still a member of the House, he used his position to gain a slot on a space shuttle mission. He had no credentials except that he had control over much of NASA’s funding. The astronauts were so embarrassed that he was present at the band that they nicknamed him “ballast. ”
Nelson is also one of the parents of the overweight, expensive and far-backed Launch Space System (SLS), which some bags call the “Senate Launch System.” Former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver explained how funding the SLS was the price that Nelson and others made for licensing the Commercial Crew program which she called a “Faustian bargain.” Congress went on to underfund the program to send astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Nevertheless, the Dragon Crew is now flying and the SLS has not yet gotten off the ground. Many believe the SLS as an albatross is holding back Artemis, suggesting that NASA should use commercial surgeons to get astronauts to the moon and Mars.
On the other hand, the SLS recently passed the hot fire test as the final stage of the Green Run. Its engines fired over eight minutes, the time they have to fire at launch, successfully.
Nelson is almost certain to be proven. Many members of the Senate Trade Committee have served with him and most are friends. Sen. Marco Rubio
Marco Antonio RubioA new time for American children? Biden names former Florida Bill Nelson to lead NASA compliance scrambles Frontier immigration debate MORE (R-Fla.), Who was also against Bridenstine, confirmed his great-great-grandfather. However, the hearings should not be like a rubber stamp. Nelson should be questioned about his current roles in space policy. For instance:
What are Nelson’s feelings about commercial spaceflight? Does it support the acquisition of the Human Cleansing System that will bring Americans to the lunar surface commercially, in the same way as the Commercial Crew program?
Does Nelson support the establishment of a permanent international lunar center? Does it support a human presence on the moon for scientific study and commercial development, as well as preparation for trips to Mars? Does Nelson support the development of lunar facilities to sustain astronauts on the moon and to help the Mars program?
What are Nelson’s views on space cooperation with China? One thing that could drive the veteran up his investment in Chinese telecom is the Pentagon’s blacklist.
Nelson has the potential to advance his career by advancing the expansion of America and its allies into space. If (when) Nelson is confirmed, it would be up to him to call on Bridenstine, a former spy, for advice in that regard. That way, Nelson could turn away from the dark side and do a little good for his country and his civilization.
Mark Whittington, a regular contributor to space and politics, has published a political study on space exploration called Why is it so hard to go back to the moon? as well as “The Moon, Mars and Beyond.” He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner. It has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Hill, USA Today, the LA Times and the Washington Post, among other places.