American President Donald Trump has signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act that sets a goal for NASA to send manned missions to Mars by 2033.
The legislation authorizes $19.5 billion budget for NASA for the fiscal year 2018, and asks NASA to chalk out a plan to send a “crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s.”
Trump signed the Bill at his Oval Office in presence of several astronauts, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
“It supports NASA’s deep space exploration including the space launch system and the Orion spacecraft … It advances space science by maintaining a balanced set of mission and activities to explore our solar system and the entire universe,” Trump said.
“For almost six decades NASA’s work has inspired millions and millions of Americans to imagine distant worlds and a better future right here on Earth. I’m delighted to sign this Bill. It’s been a long time since a Bill like this has been signed, reaffirming our commitment to the core mission of NASA: human space exploration, space science and technology.”
The US President praised the Bill as a job creator.
“It’s about jobs. Also this Bill calls for ongoing medical monitoring and treatment of our heroic astronauts for health conditions that result from their service.”
“It advances space science by maintaining a balanced set of mission and activities to explore our solar system and the entire universe and it ensures that, through NASA’s astronauts and aeronautics research, the US will remain a total leader in aviation.”
In a statement, Senator Marco Rubio said that the new bill will support NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion program and promote innovation.
Vice President Pence said he will be heading a revamped National Space Council that hasn’t operated for the past several years. This advisory board serves as a go-between for the White House and NASA.
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