If U.S. loses viable launch industry foreign terrorists could har...

If U.S. loses viable launch industry foreign terrorists could harm our abilities to enter space, Sen. Nelson (D-Fla.) said Tues. Speaking at Commerce Committee hearing on Commerce Dept. programs, Nelson said Office of Space Commercialization had been without dir. for more than 2 years. Lack of leadership in Washington, Nelson charged, could mean more satellite launches would go abroad, and “pretty soon you start diminishing” ability of U.S. “to get into orbit. Terrorists will try to keep us from space.” Commerce Dept. Undersecy. Samuel Bodman said Nelson had urged him to fill spot at Bodman’s confirmation hearing more than year ago, but assured Nelson that “I have spent a good deal of personal time with the space manufacturing industry.” Committee Chmn. Hollings (D-S.C.), who echoed importance of U.S. role in space business, said Bodman’s involvement was good news.