Bush plans to boost commercial human space flight

Published: Jan 07, 2005
Source: www.reuters.co.uk



WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush plans to give private industry a greater role in space and encourage new commercial markets, including for human space flight.

In a policy statement released on Thursday, the White House said a big decline in the market for commercial launches had weakened the U.S. space-transportation industry. Major changes were needed in the government's role to ensure America's access to space and protect vital security and economic interests.

"The U.S. government must capitalize on the entrepreneurial spirit of the U.S. private sector, which offers...opportunities to open new commercial markets, including public space travel," it said.continue..