This report, from the US National Research Council’s “Committee on the Rationale and Goals of the US Civil Space Program”, is the result of deliberations designed “to advise the nation on key goals and critical issues in 21st century US civil space policy”. And you get pretty much what it says on the tin: four chapters, four appendices, four colour photos…well, actually one or two more, but it’s a more of a well-produced briefing document than a fully-fledged book. In fact, the first few pages form an executive summary and the final twenty include committee member/staff biographies, a “Statement of Task”, meeting agendas and so on.
Although the premise of the report, which recognises the “new national and international context for space activities”, is well-founded, one could say that a few too many similar reports have been generated by well-meaning American organisations over the years. The question is, has anything changed in the American space programme as a result?
Non-Americans might also quibble with the stated goals for the civil space programme, which include “to re-establish leadership for the protection of Earth and its inhabitants…”, “to sustain US leadership in science…” and “to enhance US global strategic leadership through leadership in civil space activities”. One could be forgiven for thinking that Americans suffer from an unhealthy preoccupation with “leadership”! When, one wonders, will they accept that fruitful international cooperation does not necessarily mean America in the lead?
The report’s recommendations are studded with similar jarring imperialism, suggesting that the US government “should pursue international cooperation in space proactively as a means to advance US strategic leadership…” as well as “using human spaceflight to enhance the US soft power leadership by inviting emerging economic powers to join with us in human spaceflight adventures”.
Admittedly, these quotes are taken out of context and follow a single theme, but they are quotes nonetheless. My own recommendation is that this report is read only by American readers; others may find it overly nationalistic and downright annoying.