Obama Backs New Launcher and Bigger NASA Budget

In summary, President Barack Obama has announced plans to ask Congress for an additional $1 billion in funding for NASA in 2011 to support the development of a new heavy-lift launcher and expand the agency's capabilities for human spaceflight and Earth-monitoring missions.
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President Barack Obama will ask Congress next year to fund a new heavy-lift launcher to take humans to the moon, asteroids, and the moons of Mars, ScienceInsider has learned. The president chose the new direction for the U.S. human space flight program Wednesday at a White House meeting with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, according to officials familiar with the discussion. NASA would receive an additional $1 billion in 2011 both to get the new launcher on track and to bolster the agency’s fleet of robotic Earth-monitoring spacecraft .
Read more here: http://blogs.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2009/12/exclusiveobama.html [Broken]
 
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Wow, this is really exciting news! It's great to see President Obama prioritizing space exploration and investing in NASA's future. A new heavy-lift launcher will definitely open up new possibilities for human spaceflight, and the plans to visit the moon, asteroids, and the moons of Mars sound like incredible adventures. It's also encouraging to see that the funding will not only go towards the new launcher, but also towards NASA's important work in monitoring our planet. I can't wait to see what amazing discoveries and advancements come out of this investment.
 

1. What is the significance of Obama backing a new launcher and bigger NASA budget?

The significance of this is that it shows a renewed focus on space exploration and the advancement of NASA's capabilities. It also highlights the importance of investing in science and technology for the future.

2. What is the new launcher that Obama is backing?

The new launcher that Obama is backing is called the Space Launch System (SLS). It is a powerful rocket that will be capable of carrying astronauts and cargo to deep space destinations, such as Mars.

3. How much bigger is the proposed NASA budget?

The proposed NASA budget is $19 billion, which is a significant increase from previous years. This will allow for more ambitious missions and advancements in technology.

4. What are the potential benefits of this new launcher and increased budget?

The potential benefits include the ability to send astronauts to explore new destinations in deep space, such as Mars, and to further our understanding of the universe. It will also create new job opportunities and drive innovation in the science and technology fields.

5. Will this new launcher and budget affect current NASA programs?

Yes, the new launcher and budget will likely impact current NASA programs. Some programs may see increased funding and support, while others may be scaled back or discontinued in order to prioritize the new initiatives. Overall, this investment will help advance NASA's overall mission of space exploration and scientific discovery.

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