NASA is in the process of canceling the ONLY project capable of finding twins of the Earth which orbit nearby stars. This cancelation decision should be reversed immediately. The SIM "Earth-Hunter" space observatory has been preparing for launch for over 10 years and is ready to proceed to final construction. If SIM is allowed to fade away, it will be 10 - 20 years before we have any hope of finding Earths that are close to our solar system. (You can learn more about this mission at http://sim.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm )
In this time of tight budgets, NASA has decided to waste the $600 million that it has invested in SIM. The space agency is destroying the hopes, dreams, efforts of scientists who have dedicated much of their careers to this endeavor. In addition, it is destroying the dreams of ordinary citizens who are keenly interested in the peaceful Discovery and Exploration of worlds like our own. Please sign the petition and help us to convince NASA and Congress to move forward with this exciting mission to discover strange New Worlds!
Whereas, the Space Inerferometry Mission, SIM, is the most cost-effective means to discover nearby "Earths." Whereas, NASA has invested $600 million in this effort since it was approved over 10 years ago. Whereas, this generation of Americans is eager to discover and explore New Earths. Whereas, the cancellation of SIM would mean a lengthy delay in future missions that would map and analyze the New Earths.
We, the undersigned, urge NASA and the Congress to reverse the decision to cancel SIM, the Space Interferometry Mission, and to proceed to launch this crucial Exploration mission. Thank you for your time and attention.
