The Planetary Society, the largest independent space interest organization in the world, expresses its support for NASA’s proposed budget increase for the fiscal year 2024. The organization welcomes the Biden Administration’s plan to raise NASA’s budget by 7%, which will contribute to the Artemis mission, Mars Sample Return, and the Near-Earth Object Surveyor planetary defense mission.
However, the Planetary Society also raises concerns about the delay to the VERITAS mission and the increasing costs of the Mars Sample Return project. The organization urges Congress to commit to a 2029 launch date for VERITAS and to provide adequate funding for the mission’s development. Despite these challenges, the Planetary Society emphasizes the importance of continued investment in space exploration to maintain U.S. leadership and foster international collaboration in the field.
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The Planetary Society Welcomes Continued Budget Growth for NASA
The Planetary Society Welcomes NASA’s Budget Growth
Statement of support for NASA’s budget increase
The Planetary Society, the world’s largest independent space interest organization, has issued a statement expressing its support for NASA’s fiscal year 2024 budget request. The organization welcomes the Biden Administration’s proposal to increase NASA’s budget by 7%, recognizing the importance of this funding to support key missions such as Artemis return to the Moon, Mars Sample Return, and the Near-Earth Object Surveyor planetary defense mission. This increase in budget is seen as a necessary measure to ensure that the U.S. and its international partners can continue to lead the world in space science and exploration.
Impact on Artemis return to the Moon
The increased budget for NASA will have a positive impact on the Artemis return to the Moon mission. With the proposed funding, NASA will be able to accelerate the development of the Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024. This budget increase will provide crucial resources for the development of new lunar landers, space suits, and other technologies required for the mission. It will also support the establishment of a sustainable lunar presence and pave the way for future crewed missions to Mars.
Impact on Mars Sample Return mission
The Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission is a top priority for the scientific community. The proposed increase in NASA’s budget will have a significant impact on the progress of this ambitious mission. MSR aims to collect samples from the Martian surface and return them to Earth for detailed analysis. With the additional funding, NASA will be able to expedite the early development phase of the project and ensure its timely execution. This budget increase will also enable NASA to maintain MSR’s costs, which is crucial for avoiding delays and disruptions to other science missions.
Concerns about delay to VERITAS mission
While The Planetary Society welcomes the overall budget increase for NASA, it expresses concerns about the delay to the VERITAS mission. VERITAS, the U.S.’s first Venus-orbiting mission since the 1980s, was originally on-schedule and on-budget. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it now faces an indefinite delay. This delay not only increases the project’s overall costs but also hinders our efforts to understand Venus and compromises international partners’ participation in the mission. The Planetary Society urges Congress to commit NASA to a 2029 launch date for VERITAS and provide the necessary funding to continue the mission’s development.
Recommendations from the decadal survey
The National Academies’ 2022 Planetary Science Decadal Survey outlines several important recommendations for NASA’s future missions. While the proposed budget aligns with some of these recommendations, such as the support for Artemis return to the Moon and the Mars Sample Return mission, there are notable absences. The start of a Uranus flagship mission and the growth of planetary science research, for example, are not included in this year’s budget. However, The Planetary Society is pleased to note that both these recommendations are planned to occur within the next five years. Continued investment in these areas is necessary to advance our understanding of the solar system.
Historical support for NASA’s budget
It is worth noting that NASA has historically enjoyed strong support from both Republican and Democratic control of Congress. Space exploration is widely recognized as one of the most unifying and inspiring activities undertaken by the federal government. The increased budget for NASA reflects an opportunity to invest in the nation’s strengths, enabling the pursuit of inspiring and challenging endeavors that bring out the best in the workforce, scientific community, and international partners. The Planetary Society emphasizes the importance of maintaining this bipartisan support for NASA’s budget to ensure the continued success of space science and exploration.
The Biden Administration’s Proposal
Increase in NASA’s budget by 7%
Under the Biden Administration’s proposal, NASA’s budget will increase by 7% for fiscal year 2024. This budget increase reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting the nation’s space science and exploration programs. The additional funding will provide NASA with the necessary resources to advance key missions and maintain U.S. leadership in space.
Support for Artemis return to the Moon
The proposed budget includes significant support for the Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon. This funding will enable NASA to accelerate the development of lunar landers, space suits, and other technologies required for the mission. It will also support the establishment of a sustainable presence on the Moon and pave the way for future crewed missions to Mars.
Support for Mars Sample Return mission
Mars Sample Return is considered a top priority for NASA and the scientific community. The proposed budget provides the necessary funding to expedite the early development phase of the mission. This support is crucial for maintaining the timeline and ensuring the success of this ambitious project. The Mars Sample Return mission will enable scientists to study Martian samples in detail and provide valuable insights into the history of the Red Planet.
Launch date for Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission
The Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission, an important component of NASA’s planetary defense program, is also receiving support in the proposed budget. The budget allocates funds for a 2028 launch date for this mission, which aims to study near-Earth objects and assess potential risks associated with them. This mission plays a critical role in protecting Earth from the threat of asteroid impacts and advancing our understanding of these celestial bodies.
Delay to VERITAS mission
While the budget proposal has many positive aspects, it also includes a delay to the VERITAS mission, the first Venus-orbiting mission since the 1980s. This delay raises concerns as it not only increases the overall costs of the mission but also disrupts international partners’ participation. The Biden Administration is urged to work with Congress to address this delay and ensure that the VERITAS mission remains on track.
Importance of funding for VERITAS mission
The VERITAS mission holds great scientific importance as it aims to study Venus in detail and uncover its geological history. It has the potential to provide crucial insights into the planet’s past and help scientists understand its current climate and potential for habitability. Therefore, it is vital to secure the necessary funding for the VERITAS mission and prioritize its timely execution.
Concerns about cost of Mars Sample Return project
Despite the support for the Mars Sample Return mission in the budget proposal, there are concerns about the increasing cost of the project. The mission’s complexity and fixed launch windows make it susceptible to cost overruns. The Planetary Society emphasizes the importance of maintaining MSR’s costs to avoid delays and disruptions to other science missions. It is crucial for NASA and Congress to manage the project’s budget effectively and ensure its successful execution.
Importance of maintaining MSR’s costs
The Mars Sample Return mission is considered a transformative scientific endeavor and a top priority for the scientific community. It offers the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and significant advancements in our understanding of Mars. To ensure the mission’s success, it is crucial to maintain MSR’s costs and allocate the necessary resources. Any budget cuts or delays could have far-reaching consequences for this ambitious mission and hinder our progress in Mars exploration.
Need for funding early development phase
The early development phase of the Mars Sample Return mission is a critical stage that requires adequate funding. This phase involves the design, planning, and testing of the mission’s key components, including the sample return spacecraft and the Earth return orbiter. Adequate funding during this phase is vital for maintaining the mission’s timeline and ensuring the successful implementation of this complex project. It is therefore recommended that Congress expeditiously funds the early development phase to keep the Mars Sample Return mission on track.
Decadal Survey Recommendations
Start of a Uranus flagship mission
The decadal survey recommendations play a crucial role in shaping the future of NASA’s planetary science missions. One of the key recommendations is the start of a Uranus flagship mission, which aims to study the seventh planet in our solar system in detail. While this recommendation is not included in the budget for fiscal year 2024, there is a plan to implement it within the next five years. The Planetary Society recognizes the importance of exploring Uranus and supports the inclusion of this mission in future budget allocations.
Growth of planetary science research
Another important recommendation from the decadal survey is the growth of planetary science research. While the budget for fiscal year 2024 does not specifically address this recommendation, it is encouraging to note that it is planned to occur within the next five years. The Planetary Society emphasizes the significance of investing in planetary science research to expand our knowledge of the solar system and advance scientific discoveries.
Absence of these recommendations in the budget
Although the budget for fiscal year 2024 does not fully address all the recommendations of the decadal survey, The Planetary Society acknowledges the implementation of some of these recommendations within the next five years. While there may be limitations in the current budget, it is essential to recognize the long-term vision and plan for the inclusion of these recommendations in future budget allocations.
Planned occurrence in the next five years
The Planetary Society is pleased to note that the implementation of the Uranus flagship mission and the growth of planetary science research, as recommended by the decadal survey, are planned to occur within the next five years. While the specific details and funding allocation for these missions may vary, the commitment to advancing our understanding of the solar system is evident. The inclusion of these missions in future budget allocations will contribute to the overall growth and progress of planetary science research.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges facing the proposed budget
Despite the positive aspects of the proposed budget, there are challenges that need to be addressed. The delay to the VERITAS mission raises concerns about the overall timeline and costs of the project. Additionally, the increasing cost of the Mars Sample Return mission requires careful budget management to avoid disruptions to other science missions. It is crucial for NASA and Congress to address these challenges effectively and ensure the successful execution of key missions within the allocated budget.
Strong support for NASA in Congress
One of the opportunities for NASA is the historically strong support it enjoys in Congress. Both Republican and Democratic control of Congress have recognized the importance of space exploration and have consistently provided strong support for NASA’s budget. This bipartisan support creates a favorable environment for the successful implementation of NASA’s missions. The Planetary Society emphasizes the importance of maintaining this support and encourages Congress to continue prioritizing funding for space science and exploration programs.
Space exploration as a unifying activity
Space exploration has long been recognized as a unifying and inspiring activity. It brings together diverse groups of people, fosters international collaboration, and showcases the capabilities and ingenuity of humanity. The proposed budget increase for NASA reflects an opportunity to invest in these unifying endeavors. The Planetary Society highlights the significance of space exploration in inspiring the workforce, the scientific community, and international partners. By supporting NASA’s budget growth, we can continue to harness the power of space exploration to unite and inspire people around the world.
Investment in the nation’s strengths
By increasing NASA’s budget, the proposed plan allows for investment in the nation’s strengths. Space science and exploration serve as a platform for fostering innovation, advancing technology, and driving economic growth. The Planetary Society recognizes the immense potential that lies in investing in these endeavors. Supporting NASA’s budget growth enables the United States to maintain its position as a global leader in space science and exploration, driving advancements that benefit both the nation and the world.
Press Resources
Availability of Chief of Space Policy for interviews
Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, is available for interviews. Journalists and media outlets can arrange interviews by contacting Danielle Gunn, the Chief Communications Officer, at [email protected] This opportunity provides an in-depth understanding of The Planetary Society’s perspective on NASA’s budget growth and its impacts on space science and exploration.
Petition in support of NASA’s budget increase
The Planetary Society has initiated a petition advocating for a 7% increase in NASA’s budget. This petition allows individuals to express their support for continued progress in Artemis and key planetary exploration missions. By signing the petition, space enthusiasts and concerned citizens can contribute to creating a strong voice in favor of increased funding for NASA.
Petition in support of VERITAS launch date
To address the delay to the VERITAS mission, The Planetary Society has also launched a petition advocating for a launch date of 2029. This petition aims to ensure that the VERITAS mission remains on track and receives the necessary funding to continue its development. By signing the petition, individuals can join the effort to prioritize the exploration of Venus and support the timely execution of this important mission.
Tracking page for FY 2024 NASA budget
For those interested in staying updated on the progress of NASA’s budget for fiscal year 2024, The Planetary Society provides a tracking page. This page highlights the key aspects of the Biden Administration’s budget request and offers context by comparing it to previous year’s spending. It serves as a valuable resource to understand the ongoing developments regarding NASA’s budget.
Dataset of historical NASA budgets
To provide a comprehensive understanding of NASA’s budget history, The Planetary Society offers a dataset that includes NASA’s presidential requests and congressional appropriations amounts, adjusted for inflation. This dataset covers the agency’s budget from its origin to the present day. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and space enthusiasts interested in analyzing the trends and patterns in NASA’s funding.
Dataset of planetary exploration budgets
In addition to the historical NASA budgets dataset, The Planetary Society also provides a dataset specifically focused on planetary exploration budgets. This dataset offers detailed spending breakdowns and trends on every robotic planetary mission ever launched by NASA. The dataset is regularly updated, providing the latest information on NASA’s investments in planetary exploration.
Guide to understanding NASA’s budget
Understanding NASA’s complex budget process can be challenging. To facilitate comprehension, The Planetary Society has created a comprehensive guide that explains the intricacies of NASA’s budget. This guide breaks down the various components of the budget, including the sources of funding, the allocation process, and the role of Congress. It serves as an invaluable resource for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of NASA’s budget and its significance for space science and exploration.
About The Planetary Society
Global community of space enthusiasts
The Planetary Society represents a global community of over 2 million space enthusiasts. These individuals are united by their shared passion for space science and exploration. The organization provides a platform for members to engage with each other, collaborate on projects, and advocate for space-related causes. The diverse and inclusive nature of The Planetary Society’s community reflects the universal appeal of space exploration.
Mission to increase discoveries in the solar system
The primary mission of The Planetary Society is to increase discoveries in our solar system. By supporting and promoting scientific research, exploration missions, and innovative technologies, the organization strives to expand our knowledge of the universe. The Planetary Society believes that a better understanding of our solar system leads to a greater appreciation of our place in the cosmos.
Mission to search for life outside Earth
The Planetary Society is also dedicated to the search for life outside Earth. Through various initiatives and collaborations, the organization strives to uncover evidence of extraterrestrial life and understand the conditions necessary for its existence. This mission captures the imagination of space enthusiasts and highlights the profound questions about our place in the universe.
Mission to protect Earth from asteroids
As part of its commitment to planetary defense, The Planetary Society actively works to protect Earth from the threat of asteroid impacts. By advocating for increased resources and research, the organization aims to enhance our ability to detect, track, and mitigate the risk posed by near-Earth objects. This mission demonstrates The Planetary Society’s dedication to safeguarding our planet and its inhabitants.
Founded by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman
The Planetary Society was founded in 1980 by renowned scientists Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman. These visionary individuals recognized the importance of public engagement in space science and exploration. Through their leadership and expertise, they established an organization that continues to advocate for space-related causes and empower the global community to advance scientific knowledge.
Led by CEO Bill Nye
Today, The Planetary Society is led by CEO Bill Nye, a science communicator and advocate for space exploration. Bill Nye’s passion for science and his ability to inspire others have been instrumental in furthering The Planetary Society’s mission. Under his leadership, the organization continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of space science and exploration, engaging with the public, and advocating for the advancement of knowledge.
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