Planetary Society Applauds Increased Science Funding for NASA

The Planetary Society applauds Congress’ work on the omnibus Appropriations bill, which includes $17.3 billion for NASA, the funding level requested by the Administration. This figure provides important increases for planetary exploration and restores funding for science. This is especially gratifying to Planetary Society members, who have campaigned for two years to Save Our Science in the NASA budget.

The Appropriations bill strongly supports Mars exploration, increases Research and Analysis funding, restores the Space Interferometry Mission, and provides preparatory funding for both a Solar Probe and an Outer Planets mission. The latter will probably be the Europa orbiter that The Planetary Society has long sought. In addition, Congress directed a boost in funding to both Earth science and the Earth observation program, which are crucial to understanding global climate change.

“If this Appropriations bill is passed, it will be an important victory for science and exploration,” said Louis Friedman, Executive Director of The Planetary Society. “Congress has listened to Society members as well as to scientists and other members of the public. They heard our SOS – Save Our Science,” he added.