President Obama’s budget takes a new approach to U.S. investment in space exploration, and recently the administration supported it with a new statement of U.S. space policy.

For those with an eye for politics, the statement emphasizes a collaborative approach that was missing during the George W. Bush administration. For instance, it softens previous administration’s assertions that the U.S. would take whatever extraterrestrial actions were needed to pursue the nation’s interests.

The new policy asserts U.S. interests in a more positive manner, by emphasizing the importance of preserving free access to space. The U.S. will defend its interests, according to Obama, but “it is the shared interest of all nations to act responsibly in space to prevent mishaps, misperceptions and mistrust.”

Such an even-handed approach is appropriate, because no nation can claim sovereignty over space. Conflict there is a real possibility, and the risk ought to be reduced by fair-minded policies.

The policy statement also recognizes that earth orbit ”“ via satellites and the International Space Station ”“ is the ideal vantage point for environmental oversight. It greatly expands NASA’s responsibilities “to enhance U.S. global climate change research and sustained monitoring capabilities.” The doubts and assertions regarding climate change certainly point to the need for more data.

The policy also sets operational goals. It remains to be seen whether they will be accomplished, but they provide perspective on the current, long-term exploration plans for NASA.

The goals call for NASA to begin manned-missions beyond the moon by 2025, with a mission to Mars by the mid-2030s. They also emphasize the development of commercial spaceflight to serve the International Space Station.

Other priorities include a strong space science program, and the expansion of robotic exploration of the solar system. NASA is also tasked with the responsibility of developing cost-effective new rockets and launch systems. This work is essential for the pursuit of any long-term exploration goals.

Through its budget and the new policy statement, the administration has mapped out a strong program for NASA to pursue. Some states remain adamantly opposed to the loss of jobs expected as NASA shifts its focus, so the remaining question is whether Congress will approve this approach.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven by calling 282-1535, Ext. 327, or via e-mail at nickc@journaltribune.com.