Planetary Society Comments on NASA Budget Increase

Late Wednesday, Congress approved the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010. The Senate approved the measure earlier this year. The Planetary Society board issues the following statement:

“We are gratified that Congress has now approved the budget increase for NASA, which permits a strong space science and a reinvigorated Earth science program. We also welcome the resumption of NASA’s technology funding. NASA’s human space flight program will improve once it is allowed to focus on exploration rather than transportation. This Authorization Bill is too prescriptive, as it specifies rocket performance and design approaches. Let the contractors do their jobs, instead. We hope the Administration and Congress will address these issues in the very near future.”