This past Tuesday, the President signed a continuing resolution that was recently passed by the House and the Senate. The bill outlines how the government will spend its money for the remainder of the fiscal year. Included in the spending package is an increase in funding for NASA’s planetary science research program as well as $75 million for a Europa mission. Although it’s not yet clear how the money will be allocated – perhaps it will fund instrument development? – it is very exciting news for all of us at Destination: Europa.
It’s much easier to make noise when we are angry than when we are pleased, but we can’t forget to show our appreciation when people go out of their way to support our cause. So, first and foremost, we want to THANK YOU for your participation. Together with organizations like The Planetary Society and professional societies like AAS and AGU, you helped show Congress that the American people support outer solar system science!
And just as we acknowledge the vital role that you all played in getting the Europa mission into this bill, we are asking each of you to contact your Senators and Representatives to thank them for supporting the Europa mission.
The bill authorizes: “That $75,000,000 shall be for pre-formulation and/or formulation activities for a mission that meets the science goals outlined for the Jupiter Europa mission in the most recent planetary decadal survey” – H.R. 933, p. 64
A thank-you letter to the President, written by one of our founding members!
The members of the committees on science and space-related policy are listed at “Europa Goes To Congress”. If these are your elected officials, please give them a call or even mail them a thank-you card! You may also want to thank your Senators or Representatives who voted in favor of the bill (links go to voting records). If your elected officials voted no, it is especially important that you let them know that you support funding for Europa! Last, but not least, we need to thank the President for signing this legislation into law.
Although he has been an ardent supporter of STEM careers and has often spoken of returning America to the cutting edge of technological innovation, President Obama’s initial budget request would have held NASA’s budget flat while saddling planetary science with a 20% reduction in funding. Meeting those budget constraints would have required massive cuts to R&A, a longer waiting period between smaller space missions, and no funding for any strategic missions, including the Europa mission. The passage of this bill shows that, when the public is vocal and passionate about a cause, Congress and the President listen.
We have made terrific progress towards restoring NASA funding to operational levels, but there is more work to be done. Fiscal planning for the coming year kicks off with the President’s budget request, which he is expected to release in the first week of April. That means NOW is the time to be vocal and passionate in your support of Europa Clipper. Please take the time to write or call the President and your Senators and Representatives, both to thank them and encourage their continued support for Europa science and the Clipper mission in the 2014 budget.
The tide is turning, but we need you to hoist the sails! #goEuropa!