U.S. civilian space policy priorities: Reflections 50 years after Sputnik -- Space launch vehicles: Government activities, commercial competition, and satellite experts -- Space stations -- The International Space Station and the Space Shuttle -- U.S. Military space programs: An overview of appropriations and current issues -- NASA's space shuttle program: The Columbia tragedy, the Discovery Mission, and the future of the shuttle -- Space exploration: Issues concerning the "Vision for Space Exploration"--Military space programs: Issues concerning DOD's SBIRS and STSS programs -- Hubble Space Telescope: Should NASA proceed with a servicing mission?