Washington, Jan 27 (THAINDIAN NEWS) New Gingrich’s proposed space program has been received with mixed reactions. The GOP presidential hopeful has promised that under his administration, the United States will return to the moon and place the flag there the second time.

Announcing his plan on Wednesday, Gingrich stated that he will not use more budget funds for the project. He plans to spend part of the current NASA budget to motivate the organization to come up with innovation ways.

The proposal has been hailed by section of the public but others doubt if it can be a reality. An aerospace executive with Harris Corp, Robert Whelan, believes the US economy and other factors will make it almost impossible for another US astronaut to step on the moon before 2021.

Gingrich’s political rivals attacked him for the promise. During the recent Republican debate ahead of the Florida polls, fellow presidential hopeful Rick Santorum said that, “To go out there and promise new programs and big ideas, it’s a great thing to maybe get votes, but it’s not a responsible thing.”

Mitt Romney sarcastically called the project “an enormous expense.” Gingrich has stuck to his promise, saying he will deliver on it if given the chance.