Hasta La Gadget!

President Obama this week signed bi-partisan legislation mapping the path of NASA for the next three years and extending operations of the International Space Station through 2020.

NASA administrator Charles Bolden issued a statement commending the President on his decision. “We have been given a new path in space that will enable our country to develop greater capabilities, transforming the state of the art in aerospace technologies,” Bolden wrote. “We will continue to maintain and expand vital partnerships around the world. It will help us retool for the industries and jobs of the future that will be vital for long-term economic growth and national security.”

Among other things, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 commits the space shuttle fleet to additional flights. The bill, which was passed by the House last week, also authorizes $58.4 billion to NASA for the next three years, aimed at continuing the development of a heavy-lift rocket.

“As the 2011 appropriations process moves forward, there is still a lot of hard work ahead of us in collaboration with the Congress,” Bolden continues. “We are committed to work together with the continued wide public support for NASA, and the bipartisan backing of Congress. Today’s vote of confidence from the president ensures America’s space program will remain at the forefront of a bright future for our nation.”