Citing worsening tensions with Russia, U.S. Sen. John McCain and two influential Republican colleagues have asked the White House to take steps that could keep the space shuttle flying beyond its scheduled retirement in 2010.
McCain, along with Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas and David Vitter of Louisiana, said they were concerned about having to rely on Russian-built spacecraft to get astronauts to the international space station until NASA can launch a new spacecraft, perhaps by 2015.
"At a minimum, we request that you direct NASA to take no action for at least one year from now that would preclude the extended use of the space shuttle beyond 2010," wrote the three lawmakers in a letter dated Monday.
The request -- spurred by McCain -- is a major initiative by the Republican presidential candidate, who met with aerospace executives in Cocoa last week to discuss space policy. During the meeting, McCain asked for alternatives to relying on Russian spacecraft to keep U.S. astronauts flying.
White House officials said Tuesday that they were reviewing the letter. A NASA spokesman said it would be "most appropriate for the White House to respond."
