Statement by Marion C. Blakey on President Obama's Space Policy Speech

ARLINGTON, Va., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AIA is encouraged by President Obama's strong commitment to NASA and to human exploration of space. We applaud his outline of long-term goals in his speech today at the Kennedy Space Center.

Now we need the more immediate specifics and short-term milestones that will allow us to measure our progress toward America's space program and achieving the brilliant future he envisions.

Job loss is painful, and that pain is being felt now by Florida, NASA and the space businesses of our industry. We're pleased that the President has asked for a plan – due in August – to aid in the job transition caused by the change in mission. It's also very important that the plan identifies the capabilities we need as a nation to meet the President's long-term goals. The plan should emphasize preserving those skills and capabilities so that they are there when America needs them.

As the President said, our nation's journey in space has been a long partnership between government and the private sector and we're looking forward to continuing that important partnership for the next century of exploration. We want young people who are in elementary school now to view our nation's space enterprise with the same sense of awe, excitement and anticipation the President spoke of today, and to seek careers there tomorrow.

Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association