UNITED STATES: NASA has been allocated a budget of $27.2 billion by the White House for the 2023–24 fiscal year, an increase of nearly seven percent from the previous year.
The funds are aimed at advancing NASA’s scientific explorations, including the Artemis mission to the Moon and the mission to Mars.
NASA bags a whopping amount for 2023-24 budget
NASA plans to use the budget to develop a long-term presence on the Moon, explore Mars, ensure regular crewed missions to the International Space Station, and push for net-zero carbon emissions technologies.
Of the total budget, $8.1 billion has been allocated for lunar activities, including the upcoming Artemis-II mission, which is intended to develop the capabilities needed to send humans to Mars.
Mars missions have been allocated $949 million, including the Mars Sample Return mission, which will expand our understanding of the solar system by bringing rock and soil samples back to Earth.
The budget also includes $2.5 billion for Earth Science missions, such as the Earth System Observatory, which will provide open access to data and information on climate change and natural hazards.
The latest budget allocated for NASA includes substantial investments in technological advancements that will aid space exploration capabilities. The administration aims to achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions from aviation by 2050, and NASA will contribute over $500 million towards it.
Additionally, $1.39 billion has been allocated towards the research and development of new technologies. A sum of $39 million has been set aside to investigate ways to ensure safe access to space by comprehending the orbital debris environment.
In comparison, the Indian government has allocated Rs 16,361 crore to the Ministry of Science and Technology for the 2023–24 fiscal year, with a reduced budget of Rs 12,543.91 crore for the Department of Space, down from the previous year.
The reduction in the space department’s budget may reflect the country’s focus on other areas of scientific research.
Overall, NASA’s increased budget for the 2023–24 fiscal year demonstrates the US government’s commitment to advancing scientific exploration and innovation in space.
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