Arlington,Va.- NASA aeronautics research and development investment and funding for space programs received much-needed support this week when the House passed a $20.2 billion authorization bill.
The funding plan is $2.9 billion more than the administration’s budget proposal.
“This is an important step forward for programs in two vital areas that affect our country,” said Marion Blakey, AIA president and CEO. “The bill demonstrates continued bi-partisan support of the Next Generation Air Transportation System and our space exploration policy, both of which depend on a robust NASA budget.”
The House plan includes an additional $1 billion to accelerate development of the Orion spacecraft and Ares 1 launch vehicle.
“The additional funding is a substantial step forward to reduce the impending five-year gap in our ability to travel to space when the space shuttle retires in 2010,” Blakey said. “The House should be recognized for its leadership in taking action to reduce this gap.”
NASA’s NextGen-related research will help increase the safety, security and capacity of air transportation operations while protecting the environment. NextGen improvements will be implemented over the next 10 years.
The Senate is scheduled to mark-up its bill next week.
