The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has called on Congress to increase funding for NASA in the fiscal year 2025 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill. In a statement released today, AIA's Vice President of Space Systems, Mike French, emphasized the importance of investing in NASA and NOAA's aerospace programs for the future of space exploration and aviation.
French stated, “As the country explores new frontiers in space and aviation, from next generation airplanes to weather forecasting to missions to the moon and beyond, robust investment in NASA and NOAA’s aerospace programs is an investment in a bold and innovative future.”
The AIA highlighted the need to reverse the budget cut for NASA in fiscal year 2024, with French urging the Appropriations Committee to prioritize American leadership in space. He specifically addressed Chair Shaheen, Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Rogers, and Ranking Member Cartwright, urging them to consider President Biden's funding request as the minimum for fiscal year 2025.
In a letter to Senate and House Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee leadership, AIA outlined key policy positions related to NASA's budget. The organization expressed support for NASA's adjustments to the Mars Sample Return mission and advocated for sufficient funding to support staff at Goddard Space Flight Center in transitioning from OSAM-1 to In-space Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities.
The AIA's full request letter can be accessed for further details on their priorities for NASA's funding in the upcoming fiscal year.
