Beam Me Up Dana

Editor’s note: Today’s hearing on NASA’s exploration program was rather routine – and mundane. At least it stayed that way until Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) asked a rather odd question. Rohrabacher, the former space subcommittee chair, asked the panel if they knew of any “antigravity research” being done at NASA. After an awkward pause they all said “no”. Rohrabacher did not give a reason for asking this question and seemed satisfied with the answers he got.

Of course, antigravity would be a nifty way to solve all of Ares 1’s weight problems.

Before you write this off as just a nutty question, I suspect that he asked this question just to get a pesky constituent off his back. You may think Rohrabacher is listening to a different drummer at times, but do recall that he was an early proponent of planetary defense from NEOs – and characterizing the potential threat they pose – something that has gone from fringe to mainstream – despite NASA’s foot dragging. Then there was his constant pursuit of NASA on cost overruns, commercialization, technology transfer, and other things NASA has little inherent interest in pursuing. He also tried to teach Dan Goldin how to surf.

Oh yes. He is also one of the prime reasons why this Democrat (me) gets to ask questions at NASA press events.

So let’s not write him off – just yet.