The Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) is encouraged by the expansion of commercial partnerships in the FY19 budget request, which establishes a strong role for the innovative approaches necessary to advance America’s economic and exploration leadership in space. Although there are many positive aspects in this budget that we like, we have serious questions and reservations about the proposals to reorganize Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) under the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) and to end government funding for the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025. We look forward to continued work with the Administration and Congress to answer those questions, and on passing a budget that fully leverages the commercial capabilities to continue America’s leadership in space.
The commercial space industry is achieving innovative breakthroughs daily, which are challenging conventional wisdom and long-held beliefs. To ensure the Administration’s human and scientific exploration goals are achieved at lower costs, accelerated timelines, and with the best value for the taxpayer, every appropriate facet of the NASA budget should be open to commercial competition, including the Lunar Exploration Campaign.
