NASA began operations in 1958 — in response to the Sputnik crisis — with 8,000 employees and an annual budget of $100 million. The Apollo mission quickly became a priority not only for NASA, but for our country as a whole, when in 1961, President John F. Kennedy declared “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth.” Through Apollo, President Kennedy wanted showcase to the world US domination of the fields of science and technology, surpassing the Soviets. (More details on NASA history.)
Since then, NASA has launched over 100 manned spaceflights and has many more missions planned in the future, including commercial space transportation.
Members of Congress have introduced several bills related to space exploration and NASA funding. Weigh in on these bills, and POPVOX will deliver your message to Congress. (Updated 8/14/13)
Space Exploration and NASA Legislation
- HR 3038 Suborbital and Orbital Advancement and Regulatory Streamlining (SOARS) Act: To streamline the process of commercial space launch licensing and to establish demonstration projects involving the use of experimental aircraft in direct and indirect support of commercial space launch activities.
- HR 1446 REAL Space Act: To direct the NASA to plan to return to the Moon and develop a sustained human presence on the Moon.
- HR 823 Space Leadership Preservation Act: To preserve American space leadership.
- HR 2617 Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act: To establish the Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Historical Park on the Moon.
- HR 2422 Sally K. Ride Congressional Gold Medal Act: To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Sally K. Ride in recognition of her exemplary service as an astronaut, physicist, and science education advocate.
- SRes 24 A resolution commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
NASA Funding Bills
- HR 2687 NASA Authorization Act (approved by the House Science, Space and Technology Committee): Would authorize $16.8 billion dollars for two years. Supports the continued development of the next generation of human space flight systems by investing in the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew capsule; directs more funds for development of SLS and Exploration Ground Systems than was included in the President’s request; ensures efficient and effective utilization of the International Space Station, the on-schedule development of the commercial crew program, and continued delivery of supplies with the Commercial Resupply Services program. Cancels the proposed reorganization of NASA education programs and prohibits the Asteroid Retrieval Mission. (According to the House Committee.)
- HR 2616 NASA Authorization Act (the Democratic alternative): To authorize the programs of the NASA for fiscal years 2014, 2015, and 2016. (Would authorize $18.1 billion in FY 2014, growing to $18.87 bilion in FY 2016.)
- S 1317 NASA Authorization Act (approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee): To authorize the programs of NASA for fiscal years 2014 through 2016. (Would authorize $18.1 billion.) Would allow funding of NASA’s Asteroid Retrieval Mission.
Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn’t imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we’re simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.
