OSTP on NASA
AIP FYI Number 57: May 16, 2011 OSTP Director Testifies Before House Appropriators
“NASA: When asked by Wolf why NASA’s FY 2012 budget request was flat, Holdren replied that the Administration was trying to build the agency back up, but “we are living . . . in an extremely difficult budget time.” He continued, “unfortunately, at this particular juncture, there’s not enough money.” Wolf agreed with Holdren, but criticized the FY 2012 request for NASA’s exploration program and characterized the agency’s request as “unacceptable.” Later, when asked if the NASA Authorization Act’s specifications for the development of a heavy-lift rocket were being followed, Holdren responded that it was “something we are legally obliged to pursue,” adding “I don’t think we can necessarily legislate success. . . we will try to do it.” Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) also asked about contract modification as it related to the development of a heavy ! lift rocket.”