Many say exploration is part of our destiny, but it's actually our duty to future generations and their quest to ensure the survival of the human species.

A hybrid human-robot mission to investigate an asteroid affords a realistic opportunity to demonstrate new technological capabilities for future deep-space travel and to test spacecraft for long-duration spaceflight.

The view from space is like having a globe on your desk -- it's a broadening experience.

We need the next generation to be motivated and to push technological boundaries, to seek out new innovations.

The pilgrims on the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock. To my knowledge, they didn't wait around for a return trip to Europe. You settle some place with a purpose. If you don't want to do that, stay home. You avoid an awful lot of risks by not venturing outward.

Going to Mars would evolve humankind into a two-planet species.

The way I see it, commercial interests should manage a lunar base while NASA gets on with the really important task of flying to Mars.