Bolden telling Senate to speed shuttle replacement

Editor's 4:30 p.m. update note: The testimony has ended and senators offered many supportive comments indicating an easy confirmation for Bolden and Garver. Update to come.

This just in from Eun Kim in our Washington bureau ...

President Barack Obama's pick to become the next NASA administrator urged lawmakers today to "accelerate with a sense of urgency" the production of the next set of rockets and spacecraft that will carry Americans into space after the space shuttles retire next year.

In written testimony submitted for his confirmation hearing, former astronaut Charles Bolden did not specifically refer to the Constellation program slated to replace the shuttle, only "the development of a next generation launch system and human carrier" that can take astronauts into orbit.

"Either we can invest in building upon our hard earned world technological leadership, or we can abandon this commitment, ceding it to others who are working vigilantly to push the frontiers of space," he said in testimony submitted to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

(Click here to open a PDF file of Bolden's prepared remarks).

The panel was expected to approve the nomination of Bolden, who would become NASA's first black administrator if confirmed.

Bolden, a retired Marine Corps general who has flown on four shuttle missions, also told committee members the nation must build upon its investment in the International Space Station, foster NASA's ability to become a leader in Earth science, and inspire a new generation of students to enter science, technology, engineering and math-related work field.

"Help NASA turn these challenges into opportunities," Bolden urged lawmakers in his testimony. He also asked them to help the agency "ensure that safety and mission success are the preeminent principles in our continuation and extension of human exploration."

Bolden, 62, grew up in Columbia, S.C. when it was still segregated. His confirmation hearing marks his first public statement since Obama nominated him May 23 along with veteran space policy expert Lori Garver to be deputy administrator.

Both Bolden and Garver have met with numerous senators over the last month to discuss their vision for NASA. If confirmed, the pair would take over the agency during a critical time.

In addition to the planned retirement of the shuttle, a White House-appointed panel is reviewing the future of nation's human spaceflight program.

The agency also is struggling with mounting financial issues, including the passage of next year's proposed $18.7 billion budget.