Senate
Senate appropriators advance bill funding NASA despite uncertainties about Artemis costs
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill Sept. 26 that would give $22.75 billion for NASA, but expressed some frustration about the lack of details in the agency’s plans to return humans to the moon.
Senate bill offers $22.75 billion for NASA in 2020
A Senate appropriations subcommittee approved a spending bill Sept. 24 that would provide $22.75 billion for NASA in fiscal year 2020, including much, but not all, of what the agency sought in additional funding for the Artemis program.
Senate appropriators add $22M for small launch, approve Space Force and Space Development Agency requests
The $22 million for Tactically Responsive Space Launch was added to the Air Force’s Research, Development, Test and Evaluation account.
Air Force nominee Barrett calls for assertive U.S. posture on space, says Space Force is a ‘key imperative’
Barrett voiced strong support for the Trump administration’s proposal to establish a Space Force.
Senate defense appropriators support DoD space request, propose ‘tactical responsive launch’ program
The SAC-D fully funded the $1.2 billion request for the National Security Space Launch program.
NASA inspector general asks Congress for Europa Clipper launch flexibility
NASA’s inspector general says the agency could save nearly $1 billion if Congress gives it the ability to choose the best launch vehicle for a mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa, rather than mandating the use of the Space Launch System.
Top SASC Democrat sees momentum building for a space force
Sen. Jack Reed: “I think within a year, next year at this time, we’ll have a Space Force."
Senator criticizes cost and schedule issues with NASA programs
The chairman of a key Senate committee said he’s “troubled” by cost and schedule growth on major NASA programs and is asking the agency for more information on their status.
Inhofe credits SASC for moving thousands of Pentagon nominations, expects more in September
In September, SASC plans to consider additional DoD civilian and military nominations.
In Senate hearing, Hyten denies accusations of sexual misconduct, receives powerful endorsements
SASC Chairman Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) said the committee conducted its own probe and concluded the allegations were “unproven.”
Artemis cost estimate won’t be ready until 2020
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine told a Senate committee July 17 that a cost estimate for landing humans on the moon by 2024 likely won’t be ready until the administration submits a budget request next February.
Experts cite benefits, challenges of further space exploration
While the United States has the advanced technology and capable workforce it would need for further space exploration, it lacks the focus and prioritization that assured the success of the Apollo program, Apollo flight director Gene Kranz told Senators July 9.
Senators try new approach to passing commercial space bill
Senators are taking a new approach to winning passage of a commercial space bill, offering it as an amendment to a defense authorization bill.
Senate Armed Services bill shakes up management of Air Force space acquisitions
The SASC is trying to hold the Air Force more accountable for the performance of space acquisition programs.
In joint confirmation hearing, Scolese and Raymond vow to cooperate on space matters
Sen. Jack Reed: “An issue that will be paramount for both of you is Space Command’s relationship with the NRO."
Senate Armed Services OKs Space Force with conditions
The SASC bill makes the commander of Air Force Space Command also the commander of the U.S. Space Force for the first year.
