Proposed Changes to NASA's Exploration Program

The Subcommittee examines proposed changes to the exploration program, including (1) cancellation of the Constellation Program, (2) investment in the development of a new "commercial crew" space transport industry, (3) provision of additional funding to commercial space cargo demonstration [COTS] providers, (4) establishment of a new research and technology program in support of human exploration, and (5) plans to develop and conduct precursor robotic missions; the status of the Constellation Program, including the results of the recent program level Preliminary Design Review; the workforce, industrial base, and contractual implications of the administration's proposed changes to NASA's exploration program, were they to be implemented; and the applicability of work completed by NASA, including activities carried out in the Constellation Program, to exploration options available to the Nation.