NASA Budget

Human Space Exploration Update (July 10-28, 2017)

SAC Markup:  Proposed budget gives KSC a boost toward Mars  The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $19.5 billion in spending for NASA in 2018, a measure that includes $640 million in upgrades to launch facilities at the Kennedy Space Center involved in launches of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft with astronauts assigned to future missions of deep space exploration. The measure awaits consideration by the full Senate.  (See also: Senate appropriations subcommittee approves $19.5 billion for NASA)

HAC Markup:  House Appropriators approve FY2018 CJS Bill–good news for NASA, mixed for NOAA satellites  NASA would get a 2018 spending boost under the provisions approved by the U.S. House Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Committee. The panel approved $19.872 billion, or $780 million more than proposed by the Trump Administration and $218 million greater than the 2017 budget mark. Further deliberations in the House and Senate await. The House appropriations total includes $4.55 billion for Space Launch System, Orion and associated ground systems development and $4.676 billion for space operations, including International Space Station activities and work on a U.S. commercial launch capability for astronauts.

Citizens for Space Exploration – a pro-space, taxpayer, grassroots advocacy group (http://www.bayareahouston.com/content/c_s_e/c_s_e) – has traveled to Washington, D.C. the past 24 years to meet face-to-face with Members/staff of Congress to discuss the value of America’s investment in space exploration. In order to sustain that dialogue on a regular basis, Citizens distributes “Space Exploration Update” to Congressional offices on a weekly basis. The intent is to provide an easy, quick way to stay abreast of key human space exploration program and policy developments.