The poor guy. Really. Inherited a Shuttle which may not fly for almost two more years, and an ISS without a mission, is dependent upon the Russians for supply, and can't be enlarged easily.

The Hubble is falling victim to the American tax cut (which was supposed to increase jobs and tax revenue and doesn't seem to have done that) and the aggression in the Middle East.

And not he's being directed to spend money on a Space Initiative which has been touted by Bush only once and fell flat with that large focus group, the American people. Don't say he doesn't have his ear to the ground, even if his feet won't touch it.

So, look to China to take the lead in space exploration, and then the US will have it's primary motivator engaged, pride.

Then we'll go.

Arf