NASA and DLR, two organizations… mutual ideas

Charlie Bolden, the head of NASA, visited Germany on his way to Israel and came to Stuttgart for a personal talk with Thomas Reiter and me. We were able to exchange opinions and ideas concerning various space subjects. As with previous meetings, one could say that this meeting took place in a personal and friendly atmosphere. In fact the relationship between NASA and DLR is a very trusting one, which encourages extensive cooperation. Like his predecessor Mike Griffin, Charlie is a 'convinced' spaceflight supporter, in his case with the personal experience of an astronaut. The time that was planned for our meeting was not sufficient to clarify all interesting subjects in adequate profoundness, but it was obvious that the United States are really ready to give Germany and Europe the position of a full partner in the future. In addition we will intensify our efforts in joint aeronautical research.