Blog Archive

Planetary Radio: A Modest Plea For Both Big and Not-So-Big Space Science Funding

Posted by Mat Kaplan on 2012/02/06 09:46 CST

This weeks Planetary Radio features updates on the James Webb Space Telescope, from Deputy Project Director Eric Smith. The discussion centers around the budget controversy, and why the JWST is worth the money.

What is space exploration worth?

Posted by Emily Lakdawalla on 2011/12/30 04:06 CST

Investing in NASA makes us smarter, improves our lives, and increases our capability to overcome technological challenges. Even more important, though, are the intangible benefits of pride, respect from other nations, respect for our place in the universe, and hope for a future in which we can accomplish even greater things.

NASA, NOAA Spared Further Cuts for Now

Posted by Charlene Anderson on 2011/12/17 04:31 CST

On December 16, 2011, the U.S. Senate voted down the House of Representatives bill that would have sliced an additional 1.83 percent from discretionary spending accounts, including NASA and NOAA.

NASA and NOAA Hit Again by Across-the-Board Budget Cuts

Posted by Charlene Anderson on 2011/12/16 05:18 CST

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed appropriations bills that will provide $8.1 billion disaster aid for this year's "extreme weather events" -- tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, heat waves, and droughts. The aid will be funded by a proposed 1.83% across-the-board cut to all FY 2012 base discretionary spending, including NASA and NOAA.

NASA Changes Approach to Send Astronauts Back to Orbit

Posted by Charlene Anderson on 2011/12/16 12:20 CST

NASA had planned to release next Monday an RFP (Request for Proposals) in its Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program. However, due to a funding shortfall, the agency will instead continue to use Space Act Agreements to contract for the development.

Checking in with NASA's Commercial Partners

Posted by Jason Davis on 2011/11/11 02:59 CST

Checking in with SpaceX's launch abort system progress, Boeing's CST-100 drop tests, and a recent Space, Science and Technology Committee meeting on Capitol Hill.