Reps. Chu, Bacon Announce Formation of Bipartisan Planetary Science Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Don Bacon (NE-02) announced the re-launch of the bipartisan Planetary Science Caucus of the U.S. Congress to support space science, research, and exploration. Investing in planetary science is critical to our economy, national security, and American leadership in science and technology. The U.S. space industry represents about 0.6% of the entire U.S. GDP, and it employs 360,000 Americans in the private sector alone. Federal investment in space science leads to innovation and discoveries of new technologies with practical applications to our everyday lives, like the digital image sensors used in our phones that only exist today because of NASA’s planetary science missions.
The goal of the Caucus is to educate other Members and the public on the importance and scientific value of space exploration and advance federal policies that:
- Support government agencies, commercial partners, academic institutions, and nonprofits in the research and exploration of space;
- Bolster efforts by space organizations to find, track, characterize, and mitigate the threat of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects;
- Facilitate the search for life in our Solar System and beyond, answering the fundamental question: are we alone in the Universe?
- Raise awareness of the economic benefits of federal investments in space science, technology development, and STEM education.
“For millennia, humans have observed the cosmos and incorporated their bountiful lessons here on Earth, and I’m ecstatic to continue this proud tradition in the halls of Congress by working with Rep. Bacon to launch the Planetary Science Caucus,” said Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Chu. “California’s longstanding leadership in space exploration have inspired generations, and the scientific contributions from institutions like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena deserve to be highlighted and celebrated in Washington. The Planetary Science Caucus will present exciting opportunities for Members of Congress, staff, and the public to directly interact with key figures from NASA, the aerospace industry, the scientific community, and academia, so we can learn more about the value of past and present space endeavors, the huge potential for future missions, and why it’s so essential to maintain America’s leadership in space exploration for generations to come.”
“I am proud to join my colleague, Representative Chu, in leading the Planetary Science Caucus for this congress. The thirst for knowledge and the drive to improve oneself has existed ever since the first person looked to the stars and the first explorer stepped out into a new frontier,” saidCaucus Co-Chair Rep. Bacon. “Over the last century, we have witnessed an explosion of human innovation as our technology and society have taken giant historic leaps forward, learning from and building upon our greatest achievements. As the future continues to unfold before us, we owe a duty to our children, our grandchildren, and their descendants to drive our innovation by prioritizing exploration. There is no greater exploration than the final frontier.”
“Space brings out the best in us. I am thrilled that Representatives Judy Chu and Don Bacon, in the spirit of unity and discovery, have joined together to lead this Planetary Science Caucus,” saidBill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society. “Their leadership on space exploration demonstrates the bipartisan nature and national enthusiasm of this endeavor. There has never been a time more exciting, and the public’s involvement more necessary, in the advancement of our understanding of the Cosmos than right now. We have made great strides over NASA’s history, and the Caucus will be an invaluable forum for our representatives to advance humanity’s future among the stars.”