Presidential candidates promising NASA the moon and Mars

Sunday, September 28, 2008 Plain Dealer Science Writer John Mangels

With the fortunes of Cleveland's NASA Glenn Research Center now heavily tied to President Bush's plan to send astronauts to the moon and Mars, the upcoming election has the center's employees and supporters watching for hints of the direction either candidate might take the nation's space program.

So far, both Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama have staked out positions that sound hopeful for the once-faltering Glenn center, and for the overall American space effort.

In unusual detail for a presidential campaign, each candidate has pledged support for the moon- Mars exploration goal. Obama and McCain have promised, in principle, to provide the billions it will take to build new spacecraft, establish a permanent moon base, and propel astronauts to the rusty, intriguing surface of Mars.

"The good news is that NASA and our nation's space program is clearly a priority for both candidates," said Carol Caruso, senior vice president of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the economic development group that has championed the Glenn center's resurgence.

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