NASA science gets boost from US House Appropriations

"The US House Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that would maintain NASA's budget at the same level as last year. However, lawmakers missed an opportunity to strike out the proposed $85 million relocation of a space vehicle to Houston. The approval contains amendments to restore some of the science that was set to be cut, including the New Horizons mission, Juno, and the Chandra X-ray observatory."

"Notably absent from the list of amendments was more funding for the Mars Sample Return mission, which is currently set for termination. The House Appropriations Committee bill could leave the project on life support, with millions to keep the lights on, if not the billions needed to move ahead with the mission. Getting samples back from Mars for analysis has taken on a new urgency after evidence hinting at possible life on the planet was unveiled earlier this week."

"Reconciliation Text released by US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation restored some of NASA's budget, although mainly for human exploration, and included $85 million to relocate a space vehicle to Houston, widely believed to be a demand to move Space Shuttle Discovery from its current location at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia."

The US House Appropriations Committee approved a bill maintaining NASA's budget at last year's level. Amendments restore some science funding, protecting New Horizons, Juno, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The bill did not remove an $85 million relocation provision widely associated with moving a shuttle to Houston. The Mars Sample Return mission lacks increased funding and could be left with only minimal support, jeopardizing its development. Getting samples back from Mars has gained urgency after evidence hinting at possible life on the planet. Senate proposals differ, and the final appropriation must still clear further congressional steps and the President's signature or veto.

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