Space Policy | Science Policy | Science Diplomacy | Government Relations | Astronomy | All opinions my own
The Future
Joined July 2016
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Andy Williams retweeted
If the stars align I could reach 10k followers before the SpaceX IPO, which doesn’t mean much but would be cool
Andy Williams retweeted
A poignant article by @SenMarkKelly on how ensuring a continued American presence in space is crucial to keeping our country’s engine of science and innovation moving. nytimes.com/2025/08/06/opini…
Andy Williams retweeted
People from all over the world...and all walks of life..even the most spiritual--look up at the stars and imagine the possibilities 🔭
Andy Williams retweeted
After spending the last few months capturing it, I'm thrilled to share with you my newest artwork, my deepest look at the milky way yet. A 140 hour exposure, revealing the chaos happening in our skies. I call it "Above the Rift". Here's a short thread about what you're seeing.
Andy Williams retweeted
🚨🚨🚨 The Spanish Minister of Science just announced $400M EUR to the TMT, with the caveat that it comes to La Palma ciencia.gob.es/Noticias/2025…
Andy Williams retweeted
Nicky Fox will hold a virtual science community meeting via WebEx on June 12 at 12:00 pm ET to discuss SMD's budget according to today's Planetary Exploration Newsletter. Open to everyone: tinyurl.com/4942cj74
More info: planetarynews.org/
Andy Williams retweeted
The relationship between @esa and Canada has never been more strategically important #ESAxCanada
This week, we had the honour of welcoming @AschbacherJosef. His presence underscored the deep ties between our space programs and emphasized the shared commitment to fortifying our alliance to accelerate and grow our respective space sectors. canada.ca/en/space-agency/ne… #ESAxCanada
ALT CSA President Lisa Campbell and Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency.
ALT CSA President Lisa Campbell, Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency and Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence addressing a group of people at the CSA.
ALT CSA Astronaut David Saint-Jacques, Daniel Neuenschwander, director of human and robotic exploration, CSA President Lisa Campbell and Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency.
ALT Christian Lange, Executive Director, Lunar Exploration Program at the CSA, Daniel Neuenschwander, director of human and robotic exploration, CSA President Lisa Campbell and Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency looking at a rover.
Andy Williams retweeted
The Moon remains within reach.
To everyone who has reached out with words of support, encouragement, and belief - thank you. Your messages remind us that space exploration is a shared endeavor, and that every step we take is made stronger by the community that surrounds us.
Mission 2 has come to a close in a way we did not hope for - but the journey itself represents meaningful progress. In building RESILIENCE, in launching Europe’s first rover - TENACIOUS - and in advancing toward the lunar surface, this mission reveals another challenge we need to overcome in order for us to move closer to our vision of a sustainable presence on the Moon.
Our teams are reviewing the data and telemetry, and what we learn here will be incorporated into our future missions.
Our work continues – with resilience and a tenacious spirit.
Never Quit the Lunar Quest
-- ispace Crew
Andy Williams retweeted
The FY2026 President's Budget Request includes:
47% cuts to NASA Science.
56% cuts to NSF.
28% cuts to NIST.
14% cuts to the DOE Office of Science.
These requests have serious implications for the U.S. scientific enterprise.
aas.org/posts/news/2025/05/s…
Andy Williams retweeted
The White House has released its top-level ("skinny") budget proposal for FY2026. For NASA, that includes previously reported deep science cuts, ending SLS and Orion after Artemis 3, and scaling back ISS operations.
Andy Williams retweeted
If you care about science at NASA, this is royally sucks.
arstechnica.com/space/2025/0…
Andy Williams retweeted
Some thoughts about @NASA I think remain true:
-Yes it's become a kludgeocracy, along w/ all of the Govt. This is ~25% NASA's fault & ~75% not its fault.
-A major reason why NASA is not fully @ fault is that it's really expensive to not be allowed to blow up taxpayer assets.
Andy Williams retweeted
The chance of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting out planet in 2032 is now 1.5%, or 1 in 67.
The OVERWHELMING likelihood is that the asteroid will miss Earth.
But for the first time ever, we might have to seriously consider a deflection mission soon.
Let me explain. 🧵 (1/x)
Andy Williams retweeted
I'm passionate about not just stargazing, but health impacts from light pollution. I noticed I sleep far better in places with less artificial light, and feel more rested after. Maybe it's psychosomatic, but I believe seeing the stars at night is important for our health.
I know @doge probably has bigger fish to fry, but every photon of artificial light polluting our sky is technically energy wasted.
What if we could more efficiently redirect lighting only where it was needed, while also giving people back the stars?
Andy Williams retweeted
The European Southern Observatory's @ESO_Chile Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the under-construction Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), is facing a significant threat from a proposed industrial megaproject by AES Andes, a subsidiary of the U.S. energy company AES Corporation.
The project aims to develop a green hydrogen and ammonia production facility powered by extensive solar and wind farms, covering over 3,000 hectares and situated just 5 kilometers from the observatory.
Astronomers are concerned that the construction and operation of this facility will introduce substantial light pollution, dust, and atmospheric turbulence, compromising the observatory's ability to conduct high-precision astronomical observations. The Atacama Desert is renowned for its exceptionally dark and clear skies, conditions that are crucial for the observatory's mission.
@ESO officials have engaged with @AES_Andes to discuss relocating the project to a site at least 50 kilometers away to mitigate these impacts.
While AES Andes has stated its commitment to adhering to environmental standards and collaborating with stakeholders, the proximity of the proposed development remains a critical concern for the astronomical community.
Andy Williams retweeted
My latest in the FT:
The perils (and opportunities) facing NASA and ESA; it's time for Agency Heads to create a new strategy that aligns with our global economy!
How Europe and the US can regain space power on.ft.com/3B3W4JQ | opinion
Andy Williams retweeted
After more than 30 years of talking, planning, designing and now constructing, I was a little emotional when I saw the “first fringes” from @skao. Many congratulations to the whole team. SKAO is coming!
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Andy Williams retweeted
Still digesting the landmark #Draghireport, but great to see the emphasis on R&I. Very happy with proposal to double support to ground-breaking fundamental research via the European Research Council! And the stance on preserving the ERC's independence.
commission.europa.eu/topics/…
