For the coming two decades, the US space program should focus more on finding the best methods to detect and deflect possible hazardous NEOs, as well as making progress in the actual exploration of the solar system by using robotic missions rather than human space flight. Top six missions should be:
- Perfecting the method of tracking and deflecting hazardous NEOs;
- Finalizing the James Webb telescope to replace Hubble;
- Intensive robotic search for life on Mars.
- Further exploring Europa, Enceladus, and Titan.
- Developing launch systems with better performance for deep space travel.
- Remain involved in an international venture to keep an ongoing orbiting facility.
It seems at the very least strange if not worrisome that in 2012 there is not yet a system to fully track and deflect asteroids that could impact Earth. Since this danger is a certainty, and the time of such an event is never known, being ready for anything possible seems to be the only right attitude. The US space program should dedicate an entire program to accomplish this task. It is more important to stay alive than flying humans in space. This should be a Number 1.
Having the James Webb telescope launched into orbit is also of crucial importance. The mission of the HST will soon come to an end, and we not only need a replacement, but a high performance tool to continue the outstanding discoveries brought by Hubble.
I believe that at least for now the US should focus on robotic exploration rather than human space flight. So far humans cannot go any further than LEO, maybe the moon, while Mars is still science fiction. Robotic missions have brought fantastic results in the last decades. The three main candidates for life in the solar system, Mars, Europa, and Titan were visited by robots only, and we should be thankful they were able to go in those places where humans would not make it even for a second, let alone the long trip to reach those worlds. Spirit, Opportunity , Galileo and Cassini-Huygens sent back a wealth of data leading to conclusions that life could exist elsewhere in the solar system. At this point, if life is out there, it will be a robot that will find it. On top of their excellent results, robots are cheaper and human lives are not at stake.
Another important aspect of the space program for the next 20 years is developing a better performance launch vehicle. Sad enough, we should start by making one such vehicle to reach the LEO, since no such tool exists yet. And of course, research and the development for a deep space travel is a necessity if we ever want to consider a trip to Mars with humans on board. Finally, a permanent presence in space has proved itself to be of crucial importance for humanity, and with the end of the ISS mission coming soon, a new such mission must be developed.
There is a strong trend in the field of space exploration supporting a human space flight, advocating an eventual return to the Moon and prepare for a Mars visit. President Obama proposed a first deep space trip by 2025, but there are many variables to consider into the equation for such mission to become reality. I believe that the US space program will focus primarily on the above mentioned missions as it is.
