I couldn’t agree more about the importance of planetary science at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
As a member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, I am a strong advocate for planetary science at NASA, whose missions continue to reveal astonishing discoveries about the solar system, expand our knowledge about the universe and inspire our students to study science, technology, math and engineering.
In fact, the Omnibus Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2014, which I voted for, increases funding for NASA by $700 million, with a significant boost to planetary science, which will ensure that the agency can stay on track to develop and launch exciting new missions like the James Webb Space Telescope.
It also provides $80 million to study the feasibility of sending an orbiter to Europa, one of Jupiter’s icy moons that scientists believe could harbor conditions suitable to life.
NASA scientists pioneered many of the devices and tools we depend on in everyday life – such as smoke detectors, microchips, water filters and insulin pumps.
Scientific research and development at NASA and across other federal agencies and organizations like the National Science Foundation are a critical part of maintaining America’s economic competitiveness and keeping us at the edge of innovation.
Let’s keep reaching for the stars!
– Rep. Julia Brownley,
Westlake Village
Issues: 113th Congress, Education