May 1 2000
From The Space Library
In delivering the Louisiana State University Chancellor's Distinguished Lecture, NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin announced that "in no less than 10 and no more than 20 years," U.S. astronauts would land on Mars. Proclaiming that Mars was NASA's next frontier, Goldin stated that the Red Planet held special promise for researchers. The possible presence of water and other signs of life on Mars intrigued scientists, making a Mars landing a priority for NASA. In addition, because scientists have estimated that the two planets are roughly the same age, the exploration of Mars could lead to new information about Earth. Goldin made his remarks in the aftermath of the high-profile crash of Mars Polar Lander.
NASA announced the creation of a new office dedicated to improving heath and safety for its workforce. NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin appointed Dr. Arnauld E. Nicogossian as Chief Health and Medical Officer, giving him the responsibility for developing programs to research and implement the best medical procedures for astronauts and other NASA personnel. "On the ground and in space, rapid advances in medical knowledge and tools need to be adapted and incorporated into our planning and practices," Goldin said when announcing the new position. Nicogossian faced the task of establishing NASA's Health Council, in keeping with NASA's commitment to making heath and safety its number-one priority.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
