Hans' visions for NASA

In July '09, on the 40th anniversary of the first Moon Landing, Starlife contributed his proposals to the Review of US Human Space Flight Plans Committee, initiated by US president Obama. The resulting new direction for the Space Program, announced by Obama in 2010, had many similarities with these proposals, execept perhaps for the time frames involved. Here are a few examples from Hans' proposal:

REVIVING THE SPIRIT
NASA must revive its pioneering spirit and focus what it is most famous for: taking giant leaps as pathfinders to new frontiers, paving the way for the rest of society.

LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE
As with environmental work, projects like asteroid defense, space solar power and Mars missions can't be revised every 4th year to reflect changing political climates and leaders. They are about making long-term decisions and staying on course.

CLEARER FOCUS
NASA should narrow its scope to its cosmic outreach. Earth observations, LEO/ISS transportation, etc. should be transferred to others. Both the care for Earth and our exploration of space will benefit from this separation of interests and budgets.

THE MOON VS. MARS
Honoring its role as pioneers, NASA - as a scientific agency - should refocus on the Human exploration of Mars. Our return to the Moon should also go ahead, but shift
its objective to the engagement of commercial industry and interests.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Larg space projects are so costly they require international cooperation. It will also help countries to build trust & understanding. Considering the success of US-Russian cooperation, China should be invited to participate on the same level.

Apollo 11, July 1969