Archive: News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) successfully amended legislation, passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives, requiring the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to examine the feasibility of contracting with the public and private sectors to make images and video of missions to space more accessible to the public.

“Our nation’s scientific discovery presents a valuable opportunity to engage public and private sectors in advancing NASA’s mission for the 21st century,” said Arcuri, who successfully offered an amendment to foster NASA’s connection with the local science and technology community. “Upstate New York is fast becoming a science and technology hub. This amendment is a prime opportunity for NASA to work together with colleges and universities, private research facilities, and small and large high-tech businesses to better educate the public about space.”

Arcuri’s amendment would encourage NASA to directly seek out private research laboratories, growing small businesses in the technology industry, and colleges and universities for its technology needs as they relate to its international exploration initiative. It permits NASA to conduct a feasibility study on the benefits of contracting out these services to non-federal actors.  These services may extend to every stage of the project as NASA sees fit, including the initial gathering of data, conversion into readable formats, or actual transmission to the public across the Internet or other media.

Arcuri’s amendment to H.R. 6063, NASA Authorization for Fiscal Year 2009, pertains to the agency’s international exploration initiative.  This section of the bill authorizes NASA to develop a technology plan to educate the public and make space missions more accessible to everyday citizens.  The bill states that the goal of its initiative is to deliver a multi-media experience to citizens by inviting public and private sectors to participate in this project.

The amendment also promotes good government by requiring NASA to engage in a transparent bidding process when awarding contracts. This measure will promote a fair process that awards only the most qualified innovators.

This amendment has the support of the State University of New York, the New York State Section of the American Physical Society, the American Association of Geographers, and the Information Technology Association of America.

H.R. 6063 authorizes a total of $19.2 billion for NASA’s programs for FY 2009, and an additional $1 billion to accelerate development of the crewed vehicles that will replace the Space Shuttle fleet after NASA is scheduled to retire the shuttles in 2010. NASA has a key role to play in the nation’s innovation agenda, and the bill authorizes $4.9 billion for scientific research.  

H.R. 6063 contains provisions which would improve funding for aeronautics research and development to make air travel safer and more efficient.  The bill increases aeronautics research and development funding, in order to address critical national needs such as the NextGen air traffic control management system.  NextGen would ensure safer and more efficient air travel.

It also establishes a role for NASA in leading a cooperative international effort on earth observations research, especially with respect to climate change.  It builds on the recommendations of National Academies’ Earth Sciences and Applications survey and provides an agenda to learn about the causes and impacts of climate change.

----
v4i24