Posted: Tue, Oct 26, 2004, 8:16 PM ET (0016 GMT)
With just a week before the general election, the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has issued its most definitive statement on space policy, calling for increased NASA funding but calling the current exploration plan a political gambit. The statement presents a five-point plan for NASA that calls for increased funding "above current levels adjusted for inflation". a more balanced program that increases support for the sciences and aeronautics, increased international cooperation, a new emphasis on aeronautics research and development, and improved management of the agency. The statement provide few additional specifics, and makes no mention of the space shuttle or ISS. The document, however, does call the Vision for Space Exploration unveiled by President Bush in January as "a purely political stunt, without being backed up by the necessary funding."

Related Links:

•  Kerry/Edwards space policy statement