create a broad set of opportunities. >> reporter: he says collaborating with muslim countries in space technology will undoubtedly improve the muslim world's view of america and says from a practical standpoint u.s. officials have to broaden their portfolio with muslim leaders. in his words they have to have something more to talk to them about than just security issues, wolf. >> it comes at an awkward moment given the controversy involving the entire future of nasa. >> that's right. this comes a few months after president obama announced the cancellation of the constellation flight program that would send a man back to moon and possibly to mars. some former astronauts oppose the cancellation of that program. some were for it. a nasa official told us today it is misleading to think they're scrapping plans to go back to the moon. he said they had to have a way to make it affordable and achievable. the constellation program wasn't getting that done. they're trying to put the best public face on that and say, look, we're trying to get back to those places but have to do it in an affordable way. >> brian todd, thanks very much.