WASHINGTON: United States President President Donald Trump signed legislation yesterday (Tuesday) officially adding human exploration of Mars to NASA’s mission.
Could sending Congress into space be next? Flanked at an Oval Office bill-signing ceremony by astronauts and lawmakers, Trump observed that being an astronaut is a “Pretty tough job.” He said he wasn’t sure he’d want it and, among lawmakers he put the question to, Sen. Ted Cruz said he wouldn’t want to be a space traveler, either.
“You could send Congress to space,” he said to laughter, including from the president.
“What a great idea that could be,” Trump said, before turning back to the space exploration measure sponsored by Cruz and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
The new law authorizes $19.5 billion in spending for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the budget year that began Oct. 1.
Cruz said the authorization bill is the first for the space agency in seven years, and he called it a “Terrific” achievement.
“I’m delighted to sign this bill. It’s been a long time since a bill like this has been signed, reaffirming our commitment to the core mission of NASA: human space exploration, space science and technology.” The measure amends current law to add human exploration of the red planet as a goal for the agency.
It supports use of the International Space Station through at least 2024, along with private sector companies partnering with NASA to deliver cargo and experiments, among other steps.
Nelson traveled into space when he was in the House.
Pence also announced that Trump plans to re-launch the National Space Council, with Pence as chairman, to coordinate U.S. space policy.
