H.R. 6063 would authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Detailed Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general.
Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle.
Requires: (1) a process for transitioning NASA experimental earth science and space weather research into operational services; and (2) a plan for the continuation of Landsat thermal infrared data collection or its equivalent.
Reauthorizes the Glory Mission.
Requires development of a plan for a Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR).
Sets forth provisions concerning environmental aviation research initiatives. Requires a review of NASA's aviation safety-related research programs.
Requires the establishment of an aviation weather research program.
Requires the awarding of grants for the establishment of university-based Centers for Research on Aviation Training.
Sets forth provisions concerning NASA's lunar exploration activities.
Requires the establishment of an exploration technology development program that is not tied to specific flight projects.
Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) a common docking system standard to maximize the ability to rescue astronauts from disabled space vehicles; and (2) a cross-directorate technology development program.
Requires the development of a plan to restart the production of radioisotope thermoelectric generator material for deep space and other science missions.
Ensures that the International Space Station (ISS) remains capable for potential U.S. utilization through at least 2020.
Requires specified Space Shuttle flights to be flown prior to the retirement of the Space Shuttle.
Requires development of a strategy for providing commercial launch services in support of NASA's small and medium-sized science, space operations, and exploration missions.
Provides for notifying federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat.
Sets forth requirements for the use of commercial crew transfer and crew rescue services.
Requires: (1) a review of NASA's information security controls; (2) a report on intrusions of NASA's network resources; and (3) a review of NASA's laboratories.
Requires a survey regarding astronaut health care.
Increases the maximum award amount for an innovation prize.
Sets forth provisions for specified earth science, aeronautics, international exploration, space science, and space operations activities, missions, initiatives, studies, and programs.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 10/6/2008: Presented to President.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
John J. Weaver
The people that are voting on Washington Watch amaze me... They are so quick to vote against a dime of money to be spent for the Children of the United States or the Veterans of the United States, however when I see this bill and it is tied at 50/50 and I am just amazed! I realize that we need the space program, but I think that we need to take care of the important things at home first! The Children, The Old, The Veterans that have fought to make this Country what it is! Turn loose some money for the Teachers, for the Police, the Firemen! Common people Wake Up! Lets spend the money where it needs to be spent first and it there is any left lets send it outside the US and the Earth!
joe hines
congress, STOP YOUR SPENDING, IT IS NOT YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU UNDER STAND!!!!!!!!!. THE GOVERNMENT IS 75% TO BIG NOW,ALL OF YOU ARE HERE BY ORDERED BY. WE THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE AND BY THE PEOPLE, ALL YOU ARE ORDERED TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND OFFICES NOW!!!!!!!. YOU SEE WE THE PEOPLE, WE ARE THE TRUE GOVERNMENT. AND DO YOU KNOW WAY?. WELL I WILL TELL YOU, YOU SEE GOD CREATED MAN TO GOVERN OVER HIMSELF. IT IS SO SAD THAT MOST OF YOU HAVE BECOME TRADERS.
BD
The first two comments are illustrative of why the United States will soon find itself behind China and India in developing new technologies.
Norm Hartnett
President Bush’s 2009 budget request totals 3,100 billion dollars. The proposed NASA authorization of 20.2 billion is 0.65% of this figure, less than one percent of the total budget. In contrast Social Security is 20.8%, Medicare is 13.2%, Medicaid and SCHIP is 7.2% and the interest on the national debt is 8.4% of the total budget. If NASA’s total budget were transferred to Medicare it would increase their budget by only 4.9%. Further in comparing NASA’s budget to DoD at 16.6%, The Global War on Terror at 4.7%, and the Department of Homeland Security at 1.2% of the total budget, not including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars which come in at about 6% of the total budget and NASA looks very cheap. The Department of Education’s share of the budget is 1.9% of the total budget and if NASA’s total budget were transferred to them it would only increase their budget by about 29% and where would these educated people find work?
Norm Hartnett
Mr. Weaver;
In 2009 the US will spend somewhere around 400 billion dollars on programs and Departments which support children and 44.8 billion on Veterans. Many of NASA’s employees are Veterans and support children.
For those who say we should spend the money here on Earth I have to point out that NASA has not spent one red cent off planet. Our Balance of Trade with ET’s is exactly zero. Every dime that NASA spends is spent here, most of it in the US and, thanks to our Congresspersons, that spending is spread across all fifty states. If NASA were to shut down today hundreds of thousands of people would be out of work, not only at NASA but also in every walk of life from waitresses to miners, from aerospace engineers to doctors. In recent years our international reputation has taken a beating but NASA and our space program is a shining example of all that is good and great about America. Lets give NASA the support they deserve.
Tom Johnson
Mr. Hartnett,
Well said.....how about we take the 9.9 billion for a failed Amtrak system, spend half on NASA and the other half on developing a better education system that what we have today. I am all for giving more money to teachers, but no more money to administration. Our public education system is also a failure, and it is not due to lack of money....more to do with wasteful spending.
suzanne
This is really needed.
greatdanes
No More Spending your All BUMS and need to Quit or get Voted out. Americans Have Had it with All ...ALL of Elected Officials!
No More Bill passed on this stupid Spending. DRILL for OIL idiots.
joe hines
congress,you are just like g.w.bush and his brown shirt neo-con outlaws. congress, NO!!!!!!!!MORE!!!!!!SPENDING!!!!!!!DO I MAKE MY SELF CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!YOU TRADERS!!!!!!!!!!!!. congress you have failed to uphold the laws of GOD and the law of the CONSTITUTION all of you took an oath before going into office, most of you have failed to up hold that oath. most of you are lyres and traders. MAY GOD HAVE MARCY ON YOUR SOULS.
Steve Johnson
Investing our national resources in NASA is an investment in the future. If those who oppose spending less than 1% of federal funding on exploration, science and technology prevail, we will not retain our leadership position in math, science and technology. Common, folks we spend four times this amount on potato chips in a year!!!!
Prof. L
A lot of NASA money is spent on education. NASA grants to universities provide undergraduates with jobs in research laboratories, graduate students with research training, and indirect cost to run many of our public universities, which are seeing big budget cuts from state appropriation crunches.