How the 2016 presidential candidates prioritize space exploration - Brookings Institution (blog)
As the probe beams back key geographical data on Pluto and its moons over the next year, it will continue on its mission and explore the Kuiper Belt, a region extending beyond the planets from the orbit of Neptune. The long-planned mission, launched in 2006 during a Republican administration, will continue to make groundbreaking discoveries beyond even Obama’s time in office. The next presidential administration has the potential to impact the way we make use of data collected by projects like New Horizons and how we provide material support for future extra-terrestrial exploration. NASA budget, 1958-2015. Republican candidates seem clear on their goals for NASA post-2016. Aside from Rand Paul, who would like to cut space exploration by as much as 25 percent , most GOP candidates are touting plans that would increase funding and support for space exploration. His plans include increasing overall support to NASA while shifting the focus of scientific research from Earth observation to the surveying of other celestial bodies. ” He recommends an increase in both support for government affiliated scientific research and the funding of long-term projects similar to New Horizons. Bush’s own presidential sibling included a major expansion in space exploration to. Source: www.brookings.edu
