The Future of Space Exploration Discussed at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

A ticking clock might set up the next decade for NASA, said Norman Augustine, head of a White House panel given three months to make recommendations to President Barack Obama for the future of space travel.

The 10-member panel met most of the day Wednesday in Huntsville at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center taking in NASA, expert and public commentary about what should be done with Marshall Space Flight Center-managed Ares rockets, the aging space shuttle and the unfinished International Space Station.

The message from many presenters was clear: Not enough money for NASA in the federal budget and not enough time to dig deeply into new options.

"We are here to gather information and make recommendations," Augustine said. "We have 34 days from today before our report has to be at the printers."

Augustine added that panel members have not "made up our minds about any one area. We will offer recommendations only."

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