Don Savage

Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

February 18, 1993
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 93-32

NASA BUDGET BOOSTS TECHNOLOGY, PROMISES IMPROVED SPACE

STATION
PROGRAM

The President's 1994 budget request for NASA will call for
an increase over last year's budget with key provisions for the
Space Station program and the development of important new
technologies.

NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin praised the plan,

saying, "It clearly reflects the President's firm commitment to a
meaningful and balanced space program and the revitalization of
American industry through cutting-edge science and technology
development."

President Clinton has directed the Administrator to redesign

the Space Station as part of a program that is more efficient and
effective and capable of producing greater returns on our
investment. The '94 package provides $2.3 billion for the smooth
transition of the program to a streamlined, cost-effective
design, assuring stability in the program during the transition
and minimizing any potential job loss.

The President also has directed NASA to work closely with

the U.S. Congress and international partners to maintain
continuity in the program and to assure their participation in
producing a space station that is technically challenging and
promises the highest possible returns.

NASA's new technology investment package will provide

significant funding aimed at new projects that could lower the
cost of space research, achieve demonstrable results sooner and
are more directly beneficial to the economy. The new plan allows
room in NASA's budget for future enhancements to ongoing agency
efforts in aeronautics, human and robotic space flight and the
transfer of technology to new and existing industries.

Goldin was briefed by White House officials late Wednesday

and Thursday morning and offered the following statement:

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"I congratulate the President on his courageous vision of an

aeronautics and space program that is relevant to America and
continues to lead the world in innovation and discovery."

"In response to the vision, we will join with our

international partners, industry experts, and the science
community to introduce broad, innovative thinking to the process
of delivering a meaningful and efficient program to the American
people and to the world."

"I have great faith and pride in the working women and men
of the NASA team who I know will step up to the challenge to do
more with less, just as they have met the great challenges of the
past."

"NASA will serve the President's vision and live up to its

reputation as a can-do agency by becoming a model in government
for quality, efficiency and productivity."

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