FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2017
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Applauds Congressional Approval of the NASA Transition Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration applauds the House vote this evening to send S. 442, the NASA Transition Authorization Act, to the President’s desk for his signature. The bill, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent last month, unequivocally demonstrates the continuing bipartisan support of the 115th Congress for our nation’s human and scientific space exploration programs.
The bill is the first reauthorization of NASA programs since 2010. It continues the key policies established in the 2010 NASA Authorization Act while also making updates to reflect the significant progress that has been made on key NASA exploration capabilities: the exploration rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), the Orion exploration spacecraft, and exploration ground systems, as well as the International Space Station (ISS), including its cargo and crew transportation services, and space science programs, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It also contains provisions on a range of key issues including science missions such as the Wide-Field Infrared Telescope, the Mars 2020 rover, and the mission to Europa, mission planning for human missions to deep space, and efforts to improve institutional efficiencies and security.
These national programs support tens of thousands of jobs in every state in the country. The suppliers contributing to these NASA programs are often the backbone of manufacturing and engineering opportunities in their communities. These programs ensure that America’s road to space truly runs through every state in our nation.
“Today’s approval of the NASA Transition Authorization Act by Congress sends a clear message to the American people and our international partners that our nation remains committed to NASA’s space exploration program,” said Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, the Coalition’s Executive Director. “Since the 2010 Authorization Act, NASA and its industry partners have made significant progress towards returning American astronauts to deep space and deploying the next generation of space telescopes and planetary spacecraft to reaffirm U.S. leadership in space. This new authorization will provide the framework for continued progress towards these national commitments. We appreciate the hard work of both the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee over the last two years that have led to approval of this bipartisan legislation.”
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 60 space industry businesses and advocacy groups focused on ensuring the United States remains a leader in space, science and technology. Based in Washington D.C., the Coalition engages in outreach and education reinforcing the value and benefits of human space exploration and space science with the public and our nation’s leaders, building lasting support for a long-term, sustainable, strategic direction for our nation’s space program. For more information, visit www.exploredeepspace.com or call (202) 747-4378.