A Budget for a New Era of Space Exploration on This Week @NASA – February 14, 2020

TL;DR

NASA's budget for fiscal year 2021 exceeds $25 billion, with highlights including funding for human landing systems, the Mars sample return mission, and various Earth observation missions. Applications for the next class of artemis generation astronauts are open.

Transcript

a budget for a new era of space exploration do you have what it takes to be an astronaut and christina cook reflects on her record-setting mission a few of the stories to tell you about this week at nasa during a february 10th event at our stennis space center in mississippi our administrator jim bridenstine discussed the president's fiscal year 20... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 NASA's fiscal year 2021 budget emphasizes space exploration, with a significant focus on returning humans to the Moon and eventually reaching Mars.
• 🎟️ The budget includes funding for a human landing system, a Mars sample return mission, and various Earth observation missions, showcasing NASA's commitment to research and discovery.
• 🧑‍🚀 Applications for the next class of artemis generation astronauts are open, presenting an opportunity for individuals with a master's degree in a STEM-related field to join the ranks of NASA's astronauts.
• 😫 Christina Cook's record-setting mission aboard the International Space Station serves as an inspiration for aspiring astronauts and encourages individuals to pursue their dreams.
• 😎 The Solar Orbiter mission aims to capture unprecedented images of the sun's poles and advance our understanding of the effects of the sun on the space environment.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main highlight of NASA's fiscal year 2021 budget?

One of the main highlights is the allocation of over $3 billion for a human landing system for the artemis program, aiming to return humans to the Moon.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the next class of artemis generation astronauts?

U.S. citizens with a master's degree in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related field from an accredited institution can apply.

Q: What did Christina Cook emphasize during her post-flight news conference?

Christina Cook encouraged individuals to pursue their passions, be true to themselves, and go after things that may initially seem out of reach, as it brings personal fulfillment and maximizes impact on the world.

Q: What is the purpose of the Solar Orbiter mission?

The Solar Orbiter mission, a collaboration between the European Space Agency and NASA, will provide the first images of the sun's poles and study how the sun influences the space environment in our solar system.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA's fiscal year 2021 budget, amounting to over $25 billion, focuses on space exploration and includes funding for a human landing system for the artemis program and a Mars sample return mission.

• Applications are being accepted for the next class of artemis generation astronauts, who must have a master's degree in a STEM-related field.

• Astronaut Christina Cook reflects on her record-setting 328-day mission aboard the International Space Station, encouraging others to follow their passions and pursue their dreams.