FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2024
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Urges Continued Strong Support for NASA’s Artemis Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (CDSE) urges Congress and the American people to remain firm in their commitment to NASA’s Artemis Program for deep space exploration. Delays like those announced by NASA today for the Artemis II and III missions to the Moon must be expected as part of the highly challenging endeavors essential to this long-term space exploration program.
“As a nation, we have chosen to set an ambitious goal for a return to the Moon and our resolve should not waver in the face of difficulty,” said CDSE President and CEO Allen Cutler. “We are at an important juncture in our mission to return to the Moon. Congress must ensure sustained and timely funding for NASA’s exploration programs, particularly considering the ongoing discussions over full-year FY2024 appropriations. Further funding constraints will only exacerbate schedule pressures, risking not only the new launch schedule but the long-term success of the Artemis program.”
“Regardless of mission timelines, it is paramount that the safety of our astronauts on these missions remains our number one priority,” Cutler continued. “It is critical that each system designed to deliver crew to the surface of the Moon and bring them back to Earth must do so safely.”
“NASA has challenges to overcome and their industry partners from small, medium, and large companies across the country will continue to work hard to ensure the United States maintains our leadership in space exploration,” Cutler said. “After years of progress and the success of the Artemis I launch, we should not cede our Nation’s leadership in human space flight on the world stage but remain steadfast in our commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and leading its development for the benefit of humankind.”
The Artemis Program consists of a series of increasingly challenging missions relying on multiple space transportation systems and innovative industry capabilities, including launch and crew vehicles, launch infrastructure, scientific research platforms, landers, and space suits, to achieve the goal of establishing a sustained and sustainable presence on the Moon in preparation for a crewed mission to Mars.
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 50 space industry businesses and other stakeholders committed to ensuring the United States remains a leader in space exploration, science, technology, and international cooperation. Based in Washington, D.C., the Coalition advocates in support of a long-term, sustainable direction for our nation’s space investments.
###
MEDIA CONTACT
For more information or to schedule an interview with CDSE President and CEO Allen Cutler, please contact Dan Stohr at (703) 517-8173 or DNStohrConsulting@gmail.com.
###