Mike Griffin at the Goddard Memorial Symposium
“First, I think one of the systemic problems the space community faces is the inability to set realistic expectations. We speak in lofty terms about the goals we seek with our space missions, and we should, but let me speak now about some brass tacks. Every time NASA or the scientists and researchers we support have low-balled a cost estimate or over-promised on the technical feasibility of a project or program, we have lost credibility with our overseers in the White House and Congress, and, more importantly in the long run, the American people. As a matter of public policy, we as a nation do not seem to be willing to provide sufficient money for NASA to do everything that everyone would like us to do. Thus, we must make carefully considered choices.”
