NASA Leadership Vacuum

LAMPSON/WELDON: Commitment is needed - Stop-start plots a trajectory of failure, Washington Times

"First, a skilled work force is displaced. Money is wasted. Overall program success decreases. Furthermore, starts and stops harm the NASA-industry partnerships necessary to assure America's leadership not only in exploring space, but also keeping a close eye on our home planet - Earth."

On Cusp of Big Transition, NASA Lacks Permanent Leader, New York Times

"Since Michael D. Griffin stepped down as NASA administrator in January, Christopher Scolese, a longtime NASA official, has served in the role on an interim basis. A new NASA boss, however, will arrive at the agency too late to take part in several important decisions. Mr. Scolese and other NASA officials are in the middle of putting together the agencys 2010 budget, which may be unveiled as soon as this week."