NASA Transition Team for the Biden Administration: Key Members and Potential Space Policy

President-elect Joe Biden has announced an eight-person transition team to help him get up to speed on all things NASA in preparation for his January 2021 inauguration. This team comprises accomplished individuals with diverse expertise and backgrounds, promising a well-rounded approach to the space industry.

Key Members of the NASA Transition Team

Pam Melroy: A retired U.S. Air Force officer and a former NASA astronaut, Melroy has extensive experience in the industry, having flown on three space shuttle missions. She will serve as part of the transition team. Pam Melroy: Additional details on her role and background can be found at the NASA website. Ellen Stofan: The team leader, Stofan is a planetary geologist directing the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. She previously served as NASA's Chief Scientist from 2013 to 2016. Waleed Abdalati: Current head of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, Abdalati was also NASA's Chief Scientist from 2011 to 2012. Jedidah Isler: An assistant professor of astrophysics at Dartmouth College, focusing on black hole research and her efforts to increase diversity in the field. Shannon Valley: A postdoctoral fellow at Georgia Tech studying climate history, she had previous experience working at both the White House and NASA headquarters. David Weaver: Currently the director of communications for the Air Line Pilots Association, David Weaver previously served as NASA's Associate Administrator for Communications from 2010 to 2016. Bhavya Lal: A scientist at the IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute, she supports the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and other agencies. Dave Noble: The executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Michigan, Noble previously held roles in the Obama administration and served at NASA throughout his tenure.

NASA and the Biden Administration: Past Successes and Future Plans

The transition team's work comes at a crucial time for NASA, as the Biden administration takes over a space agency that has seen significant strides under the Trump administration. Since 2010, NASA and private sectors have developed a strong partnership, particularly with SpaceX and Boeing, to launch crew and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS).

One example of this collaboration was seen during the Obama administration when former Vice President Joe Biden and NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden worked together to sell the commercial crew and cargo program to skeptical lawmakers. This effort has borne fruit, leading to a successful partnership and the continued development of new technologies for space exploration.

Potential Changes in NASA Policies

While the Biden administration is expected to continue supporting the commercial crew and cargo program, it may reconsider other initiatives. For instance, the Space Force, a creation under the Trump administration, might face scrutiny, with the potential for a reevaluation or a return to existing military structures.

The Artemis program, aimed at returning astronauts to the moon by 2024, could also face delays. However, given the significant investments already made in hardware and infrastructure, it is likely to proceed, albeit on a more flexible timeline.

Earth science missions, particularly those related to climate monitoring, could see funding boosts under a more climate-friendly Biden administration. However, the extent of these increases will depend on political realities, including the balance of power in Congress.

Conclusion

The transition team for NASA under the Biden administration has the task of ensuring that space policies align with the administration's broader priorities. While the Biden team has deep expertise in various aspects of the space industry, it remains to be seen how these policies will evolve in the face of broader political and economic challenges.