Wanted at NASA: A new identity

NASA is a storied government agency in search of an identity and a mission once the Space Shuttle program ends. Before those things are found, NASA will be stuck in limbo.

That's the high-level conclusion of a Bloomberg Businessweek feature on NASA. The article wonders what happens to NASA when it outsources the astronaut business. It's no small issue. On paper, NASA's redefinition needs to happen. However, there's a lot of pain that goes along with the decision.

The key points from the Bloomberg Businessweek missive on NASA:

• NASA is planning events to boost morale. What happens when the Space Shuttle program ends next year? NASA management has to boost morale since employees are wondering what's next.
• A scientific charter just doesn't capture the imagination. That's where NASA is headed, but can it really get enthusiastic about climate experiments when there's no Apollo-like program?
• Private industry could save Florida's space coast, but not until there are layoffs ahead.
• NASA isn't going away, but it won't capture the imagination the way it used to.

It's all just a bit sad. Do we need a more vibrant NASA? And does leadership in space matter?

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com