Last August, Obama expressed his belief that the United States will continue to be a leading nation is space programs and a permanent presence in space, and promised more active involvement in the Space Exploration Program, and $2 billion additional funding for NASA.

 

At the time, an additional space shuttle flight after 2010 was also taken into consideration, and many had hopes that this budget will also include that. However, the funding includes the following specification: an additional flight will be conducted if it can be completely safe before the end of 2010, but for now the plan is to retire the shuttle in 2010.

 

In addition to that, the budget also includes returning Americans to the Moon by 2020 as part of the human and robotic space exploration program, as well as sending robotic missions throughout the solar system, developing a new set of astronomical observatories, and increasing investment in research, data analysis and technology development.

 

This budget ensures NASA maintains its global leadership in Earth and space research, and it advances global climate change studies, funds a robust program of human and robotic space exploration, allows us to realize the full potential of the International Space Station, advances development of new space transportation, and renews our commitment to aeronautics, said acting NASA Administrator Christopher J. Scolese.