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Vision for Space Exploration

The Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) was a plan for space exploration announced on January 14, 2004 by President George W. Bush. It was conceived as a response to the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, the state of human spaceflight at NASA, and as a way to regain public enthusiasm for space exploration.[1]

The policy outlined by the "Vision for Space Exploration" was replaced first by President Barack Obama's space policy in April 2010, then by President Donald Trump's "National Space Strategy" space policy in March 2018, and finally by President Joe Biden's preliminary space policy proposals in spring 2021.

Lunar Architecture[edit]

NASA's "Lunar Architecture" forms a key part of its Global Exploration Strategy, also known as the Vision for Space Exploration. The first part of the Lunar Architecture is the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which launched in June 2009 on board an Atlas V. The preliminary design review was completed in February 2006 and the critical design review was completed in November 2006. An important function of the orbiter will be to look for further evidence that the increased concentrations of hydrogen discovered at the Moon's poles is in the form of lunar ice. After this the lunar flights will make use of the new Ares I and Ares V rockets.[17]

Concept art by NASA of two people in suits on Mars setting up weather equipment.[22]

Concept art by NASA of two people in suits on Mars setting up weather equipment.[22]

NASA concept of Mars-crew analyzing a sample (2004).[23]

NASA concept of Mars-crew analyzing a sample (2004).[23]

An artist's conception, from NASA, of an astronaut planting a US flag on Mars.

An artist's conception, from NASA, of an astronaut planting a US flag on Mars.

Tumlinson, Rick. Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine

Testimony to United States Senate

Ares Web Site

Constellation NASA Web Site

NASA Authorization Act of 2005

NASA: Exploration Systems

NASA: The Vision for Space Exploration

National Space Society

Orion Web Site

President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy

"The Vision for Space Exploration" Original Document, February 2004

Vision for Space Exploration Gallery