Life Science Shut Down Update

Orbitec Response to 11 August 2005 memo on “NASA Plans for Plant and Animal Research”

“We hope that NASA is not making irrational, near-term decisions that break the pipeline of national intellectual capabilities and biological science abilities that make the exploration “journey” more risky and less safe, and provide less opportunity to enhance an affordable exploration journey for the next century. The manner in which drastic cuts are made during Congressional recess and prior to any discussion or reporting on Exploration Plans to Congress certainly sends alarming signals, especially when actions oppose documented desires of Congress.”

NASA Office of Legislative Affairs Memo: NASA Plans for Plant and Animal Research

“To implement the reductions identified in the May 2005 Operating Plan Update and the ZBR briefings, NASA has terminated the Plant Research Unit (PRU) and eliminated funding for animal research on the ISS by issuing a stop work order for the Advanced Animal Habitats (AAH). The FY 06 Budget Request does not include any funding for these activities.”