With the signing of an Executive Order, President Bush has created an official commission dedicated to formulating America's future space exploration activities.
Under the order signed by Bush on Jan. 30, 2004, the Presidents Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy is charged with making recommendations concerning implementation of the Bush Administration's new vision for space exploration, including establishment of a scientific colony on the Moon and manned missions to Mars.
Specifically, the Commission is to make recommendations to the President regarding:
A science research agenda to be conducted on the Moon and other destinations as well as human and robotic science activities that advance our capacity to achieve the Policy;The exploration of technologies, demonstrations, and strategies, including the use of lunar and other in situ natural resources, that could be used for sustainable human and robotic exploration;Criteria that could be used to select future destinations for human exploration; Long-term organization options for managing implementation of space exploration activities;The most appropriate and effective roles for potential private sector and international participants in implementing the Policy;Methods for optimizing space exploration activities to encourage the interest of Americas youth in studying and pursuing careers in mathematics, science, and engineering; andManagement of the implementation of the Policy within available resources.The Commission will conduct several of its meetings at various locations throughout the United States, to solicit views and opinions from the public, academia, and private industry.
The Commission is expected to submit its final report to the White House within 120 days after its initial meeting.
[Source: The White House]
