Well that was uneventful. NASA leadership nominees appeared at their confirmation hearings today and were quickly and unceremoniously processed. This reflects no fault on behalf of Charles Borden and Lori Garver, rather implicating the highly distracted, tense reality of skittish politics (and politicians!) unavoidable at any critical nexus of history. Thankfully with no discernable objection presented (and almost as little interest shown) they should indeed be confirmed soon, and then real work may begin.

Ms. Garver, nominee for Deputy Administration, "Astromom" and famously reported Hood Under-Looker, mentions in her statement a family record that considers public service no less an expectation, albeit one driven to "leave things better than we found them." Hooked on space since early on, she served thirteen years with the National Space Society (nine as executive director), producing a positive outlook for NASA to invest in programs that can develop into independent commercial industries. It must however "be responsive to American tax-payers," even as she acknowledges, "the NASA family is its most valuable resource."

Major general Charles Bolden, nominee for Administrator, marine and four-time shuttle astronaut, by his living example showcases personal achievement triumphing over incredible challenge. ("If anyone represents a characteristic of an over-comer, Charlie is that," compliments fellow shuttle crewmate Senator Bill Nelson.) In his statement Bolden identifies NASA's "mission of leading the nation in the exploration of our universe and of exercising our leadership in aeronautics, science, and technology." At the same time it must inspire young people "to be more concerned for our environment and to strive to put an end to man's inhumanity to man."

He highlights the space shuttle and ISS as a "marvel of the modern age" and the need to build on that accomplishment. His goals back to the moon and beyond are no less lofty but rooted in pragmatism. "I want to go to Mars, but it might be a 20 year venture. But I can tell a kid to come help me on the ISS, to do some basic research." Bolden lists several challenges to be faced should we choose to maintain a leadership position, including building on ISS, safely and efficiently retiring the shuttle, and accelerating "with a sense of urgency the development of a next generation launch system…to execute the mission of expanding our human exploration beyond low Earth orbit."

The current state of space exploration needs fresh leadership capable of bold action, ready to re-inspire scientific, technological, and engineering resources to benefit all humanity. Mr. Bolden and Ms. Garver should be confirmed ASAP.