Space Budgets, Policy, Missions, Benefits, International Updates
Human Missions to Mars: Why Mars is the best planet The passage of time, four billion years, has separated Mars and the Earth. The two planets may once have exhibited similar conditions, including temperate environments. However, while life thrived on the Earth, Mars turned cold and desert-like. The red planet may hold answers to why the fortunes of the two planets are so different. The mystery makes Mars a significant destination for human and robotic explorers. (See also: Mission to Mars: NASA engineer shares experience, studies about the ‘Red Planet’ and Mars is within reach)
Asteroid Mission: Asteroid missions face delays and restructuring Two U.S. and European robotic missions, intended to further efforts to detect and fend off an asteroid on a collision course with the Earth, face schedule development slips. In the case of NASA’s Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM), the failure by Congress to agree on a budget for 2017 is a major factor. NASA considers ARM an important part of preparing for the human exploration of Mars.
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.