Bucking their Republican counterparts and the Obama White House, Democrats on the House Science Committee are offering an “alternative” NASA reauthorization that sets a 15-year goal of landing humans on Mars.
The Democratic alternative pumps NASA spending up to $18.1 billion in fiscal 2014, and keeps it there with out-year adjustments for inflation. Funding for the heavy-lift Space Launch System (SLS) is gradually increased until it reaches $1.8 billion in fiscal 2016. Initiated under the 2010 NASA reauthorization, the big rocket and the Orion multipurpose crew vehicle are recognized “as the highest priorities for carrying out the Mars goal,” according to a Democratic fact sheet.
“We have a choice,” says Rep. Donna Edwards of Maryland, ranking Democrat on the House Science space subcommittee. “We can either hold onto and reminisce about past accomplishments and missions, or we can chart a bold new vision for 21st century space exploration and innovation. I want to choose the latter. We don’t need another report or another commission. It’s time now that we commit — I mean really commit — to a manned Mars mission.”
But that vision stops at the Senate and the White House. How sad. To read more, click here.