http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jePZbwASgoEt2lUgCwsgJjMYDAsg?docId=CNG.8622673c3d228d428029a3d9d038985f.9b1NASA says it can't afford new rocket, spacecraft
By Jean-Louis Santini (AFP) – 8 hours ago
WASHINGTON — NASA this week told Congress it cannot afford to build a new heavy-lift rocket and spacecraft to replace the retiring space shuttle program within the timeframe and budget approved by lawmakers.
The plan to make a first launch of a new rocket and space capsule to carry astronauts by 2016 "does not appear to be possible" within the projected budget, NASA said in a report to legislators.
Four members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation shot back that the plan is not optional and that the US space agency must find a way.
"The production of a heavy-lift rocket and capsule is not optional. It's the law," said a joint statement issued late Wednesday by Senators John Rockefeller, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Bill Nelson and David Vitter.