*EPF415 06/17/2004
Text: NASA Head Welcomes New Plan for Space Program Future
(A "transformation" of space agency lies ahead, O'Keefe says) (520)

The administrator of the U.S. space agency is welcoming recommendations released June 16 by the President's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy.

The commission's proposals, prepared at the request of the president, suggest that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) make some fundamental changes in its operations. The report, entitled "A Journey to Inspire, Innovate and Discover," identified new imperatives in the pursuit of the stars -- sustainability, affordability and credibility. In achieving those standards, the report recommends broad institutional changes in how NASA plans its finances and interacts with national leadership, the private sector and the scientific community.

In a statement released by NASA, Administrator Sean O'Keefe welcomed the recommendations of the commission and acknowledged that significant change is ahead.

"Transformation is essential if we're going to position ourselves to meet the requirements of this initiative," said O'Keefe. "In the end, we'll be in a better position to expand human knowledge, revolutionize our understanding of the Universe and produce the technological advances that benefit everyone on Earth."

Following is the text of the O'Keefe statement.

(begin text)

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
JUNE 16, 2004

RELEASE: 04-095
NASA Administrator Shares Appreciation For Presidential Commission

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe regarding today's report from the President's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy.

"I want to express my sincere appreciation to chairman Pete Aldridge and the commissioners for their thoughtful efforts and dedication in developing recommendations for advancing our nation's new Vision for Space Exploration.

"In January, President George W. Bush charted a bold, new course for the future. In his historic address, the President charged us to open new frontiers, seek new discoveries and prepare for new journeys to worlds beyond our own.

"The recommendations released today by the commission will influence our work for years to come and will help guide us through a transformation of NASA. The specific details of this transformation will be announced in the days and weeks ahead and will be reflected by foundational changes in our organization and the way we do business.

"Transformation is essential if we're going to position ourselves to meet the requirements of this initiative. In the end, we'll be in a better position to expand human knowledge, revolutionize our understanding of the Universe and produce the technological advances that benefit everyone on Earth. The investments made in exploration lead to innovations that make our industrial and personal technology safer, faster, more affordable, more effective and easier to use.

"The commission's recommendations for this nation's new Vision for Space Exploration will help propel us into a prosperous, secure and bright future.

"While we have indeed accomplished a great deal in NASA's 45-year history, in many ways we are at the beginning of the age of space exploration. We now have the foundation on which NASA can build a vibrant, safe and sustainable journey."

To review the report on the Internet, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/newvision

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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