NASA’s Interim Chief Janet Petro Defends Trump’s Space Budget Plans
NASA’s interim chief, Janet Petro, has defended the space agency’s budget plans, which have been the subject of controversy following the release of the White House’s proposed budget for the 2020 fiscal year. Petro, speaking to the German news magazine Spiegel, emphasized the agency’s commitment to space exploration, particularly with regards to the Moon and Mars.
While acknowledging that the proposed budget may be smaller than in previous years, Petro emphasized the administration’s engagement in space research, citing the plan to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars in the near future. The NASA chief also highlighted the agency’s intention to transition the astronaut transport to the Moon to a commercial system, which would enable more frequent and cost-effective missions.
The proposed budget, which still needs to be approved by the US Congress, would cut NASA’s overall budget by approximately a quarter, with science funding expected to be halved. International partners, including those in Europe, have expressed concerns about the potential impact on joint missions.
Petro, however, expressed optimism about the agency’s international collaborations, citing recent positive meetings with partners. She noted that discussions had focused more on the potential for joint endeavors in the pursuit of Moon and Mars exploration, rather than on what would not be possible.
In a recent agreement with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), NASA and the German organization will collaborate on a mission to send German sensors on board the Orion spacecraft, which is set to orbit the Moon in the coming year. Petro highlighted the importance of understanding the risks posed by cosmic radiation and the agency’s plans to utilize international cooperation to achieve this goal.