] the president's press secretary, Scott McClellan, told
] reporters, "The president directed his administration to
] do a comprehensive review of our space policy, including
] our priorities and the future of the program, and the
] president will have more to say on it next week."

Hmmm. So is this a test balloon to see how much public support there is for such a venture, considering the current wave of space enthusiasm? Is it a straight election-year ploy? A hint at what's coming up in the State of the Union speech in a couple weeks? A combination of all?

My own opinion is, "Sounds great! But Show Me the Money." If there's a budget for it, it may happen. Otherwise it's just hot air.

Stay tuned . . .

Bush to Announce Ventures to Mars and the Moon, Officials Say