The Next Step in Space is outlined in NASA's bold new vision for space exploration. NASA's FY 2011 budget drives advances in science, technology, and exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, stewardship of the Earth, and solutions to national and global challenges.
The new space strategy supports NASA's efforts to:
Develop and deploy human space flight technology (NASA Astronaut Rick Mastracchio works on upgrades to the ISS)
Stimulate investment in new science, innovation, and jobs (Mars Science Laboratory is a NASA rover scheduled to launch in October 2011.)
Strengthen U.S. space industry (SpaceX's Falcon 9 performs a static fire test in preparation for its inaugural launch)
Advance science that creates a better understanding of Earth, the solar system, and the Universe (NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory)
Extend and enhance the utilization of the International Space Station (The International Space Station — ISS)
