Testimony of John Elbon U.S. Human Exploration Goals and Commerce Space Competitiveness

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation - Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness

John Elbon, Vice President & General Manager, Boeing Space Exploration

Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Udall, and members of the Committee, thank you for this opportunity to provide Boeings perspective on U.S. Human Space Exploration Goals and Commercial Space Competitiveness. I am John Elbon, vice president & general manager, Boeing Space Exploration

Mr. Chairman, Americas economic growth and competitiveness depend on our capacity to innovate, to reach beyond todays possibilities and stretch farther, faster than our competitors around the world. Our future depends on developing the next generation technologies but more important are the next generation minds. We need to inspire scientists, engineers, researchers and technologists everywhere by offering the opportunity to be part of something that transcends known boundaries. America needs to reinvigorate that Apollo era passion that changed the world, launching new industries and opening new doors into the universe. From everyday conveniences like scratch-resistant lenses to world-changing satellite-enabled communications, our lives are better today because of cutting edge NASA research innovations borne of our drive to explore. Just as seafaring ships explored and returned to home shores, bringing unforeseen discoveries so, too, will `spacefaring nations reap the benefits of our investment in exploration. Robots are great at helping us scratch the surface of new knowledge. Humans ultimately are needed to truly explore and to pioneer.

NASA research has certainly met the goal of advancing science and technology innovation. This research has energized a strong U.S. economy, providing growth, security and resiliency. The success that U.S. space missions have achieved, and the recognition that these innovations have gained, have made the United States the most attractive global partner for other nations seeking to advance their own space aspirations This plays a significant role in the United States soft diplomacy efforts to increase U.S. influence in global affairs and in strengthening our alliances.

The international community has aligned with Mars as the ultimate destination, and NASA has in place the programs needed to lead us toward that goal. It starts with the International Space Station as a national laboratory and testbed for future exploration. For affordable crew and cargo resupply to the ISS, NASA has contracted with commercial partners, freeing up funds for NASA to focus on the difficult task of deep space exploration with Orion and Space Launch System as the initial capabilities for deep human space exploration capabilities.

NASAs extraordinary teams have been breaking new ground for decades, returning with innovations that range from medical advances to commercial wonders, using the International Space Station as a unique on-orbit laboratory. The International Space Station has been orbiting Earth for more than 16 years. Astronauts have been continuously living aboard the ISS for 14 years. During an average 6month period on the station, as many as 200 investigations operate, with between 70 and 100 of them being new studies.

Id like to spend a minute or two highlighting some of the real science we are seeing from the International Space Station.

Duchenne (du-shens) Muscular Dystrophy: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a recessive form of muscular dystrophy that affects over 1 in 3,000 boys (over 50,000 young males in the US today). Average life expectancy is 25 years.

Research has been conducted on the ISS to identify a treatment or cure for Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy that could lead to identification of a cure due to the unique capabilities of the ISS. The ISS enabled researchers to crystallize an improved complex structure and an associated water molecule not previously known.

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Testimony of John Elbon U.S. Human Exploration Goals and Commerce Space Competitiveness