WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 6, 2006) – The nation’s Vision for Space Exploration will be able to continue on course with its bold plan of expanding the space frontier thanks to the solid fiscal support of the White House, as shown in the FY 2007 budget request released Monday.
The Coalition for Space Exploration now urges Congress to strongly consider in its deliberations whether or not spending seven-tenths of 1 percent of the Federal Budget is adequate to properly fund the nation’s most critical goals in spaceflight, science and aeronautics.
NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration calls for a sustainable approach to flying the space shuttle until its retirement in 2010, continued assembly of the International Space Station, and a new Crew Exploration Vehicle to return humans to the Moon by 2020. From there, trips to Mars and beyond will be made – first by robot probes and then by future astronauts.
Public support for this Vision remains strong. A recent Gallup Poll shows that 77 percent of Americans surveyed said they supported the tenants of the Vision so long as NASA’s budget does not exceed 1 percent of the federal budget.
Officially announced by President George W. Bush on Jan. 14, 2004, the Vision for Space Exploration has since become the nation’s Vision thanks to bi-partisan support in Congress through two budget cycles.
About the Coalition
The Coalition for Space Exploration is a diverse group of companies, nonprofit organizations, trade associations and unions dedicated to supporting the nation’s Vision for Space Exploration, which will ensure America remains a leader in space, science and technology – key factors that create jobs, promote the nation’s economy, contribute to our national security, and gratify humanity’s need to explore. For more information please visit www.spacecoalition.com.
