FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2018
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Comments on the Release of the President’s Full FY19 Budget Request for NASA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (Coalition) welcomes the release of the President’s FY 2019 Budget Request for NASA today. The budget request, which proposes an increase to the agency’s topline to $19.9 billion and funds key exploration program objectives, including NASA’s flagship human exploration systems— the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion crew spacecraft and Exploration Ground Systems— as well as the James Webb Space Telescope, Europa Clipper and Mars 2020 planetary science missions. It also proposes a series of Lunar Exploration and science missions in partnership with industry and would establish the first elements of long-term Lunar Outpost – Gateway as a platform for a range of missions for NASA, as well as international and industry partners.
“The Coalition is encouraged by the focus on deep space exploration in the FY19 budget request, which establishes a strong role for NASA and its industry, and international partners as we prepare to return to the Moon. These exploration programs support the policy directive set forth last year in Space Policy Directive-1, and will ensure continued U.S. leadership in space,” said Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, President and CEO of the Coalition. “At the same time, we are concerned about the proposed cancellation of the Wide Field Infrared Space Telescope (WFIRST), which was the New Worlds New Horizons Decadal Survey’s highest-ranked large space initiative.”
“Additionally, we note the widely-reported proposal to end government funding for the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025. Although we support the Administration’s initiative to ensure an ongoing U.S. presence in low Earth orbit, we hope that the Administration and Congress will reach consensus on a plan to ensure that any transition incorporates the myriad constituencies and functions currently served by the ISS – including its role as an Exploration testbed.”
“Although we await additional details about the budget request, the increase in NASA’s topline funding level and emphasis on exploration is welcome, and we look forward to learning more in the days ahead,” concluded Dr. Dittmar.
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 70 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.
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