Article Posted on : - Feb 27, 2009

The budget plan also provides money for continued use of the ISS to support the agency. NASA photo

WASHINGTON, DC (BNS): NASA would be receiving $18.7 billion during fiscal 2010, in the annual budget presented by President Barack Obama to Congress on Thursday. This is an increase of $2.4 billion from its last budget.

Acting NASA Administrator Christopher J Scolese said that the $18.7 billion budget proposal reflects the administration’s desire for a robust and innovative agency aligned with the president’s goals of advancing the nation’s scientific, educational, economic and security interests.

“This budget ensures NASA maintains its global leadership in Earth and space research, and it advances global climate change studies, funds a robust programme of human and robotic space exploration, allows us to realise the full potential of the International Space Station, advances development of new space transportation systems, and renews commitment to aeronautics,” Scolese said.

The budget proposal of $18.7 billion for NASA includes the $1 billion provided to the agency in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. As compared to the 2008 budget, NASA would receive an increase aid of $2.4 billion.

Officials said that the NASA budget proposal would finance space shuttle operations through the vehicles' retirement at the end of 2010 and development of new space flight systems. “The budget plan also provides money for continued use of the ISS to support the agency and other federal, commercial and academic research and technology testing needs, as well as aeronautics research to address aviation safety, air traffic control, noise and emissions reduction and fuel efficiency,” the official said.

Meanwhile, US aerospace companies group's president, Marion Blakey said that in this remarkably difficult economic atmosphere, we are encouraged to see a budget proposal that recognises the importance of national security and invests in space and aviation priorities.

In a statement released to the media, Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham said that the budget proposal for NASA represents a disappointingly small step in the right direction. “It is far from what is needed if the US is to stimulate the economy, create more high-tech jobs and hold on to its eroding leadership position in space,” Pulham said.