In the bill, there is money set aside to start planning a mission to Europa to explore its hidden ocean. NASA’s other small planetary exploration missions are getting a boost, allowing a new mission opportunity next year instead of two or three years from now. Additional research funding will support a community of world-class scientists and students around the country. There is also funding for a restart of Plutonium-238 fuel production, crucial for deep-space missions—an issue that has gone unresolved for almost three years. This bill is chock-full of great news.

The across-the-board cuts known as the sequester still apply, so the actual amount that NASA can spend exploring the planets will be slightly less, but we’re in a much stronger position than we were even a week ago.

Also, keep in mind this only applies for the fiscal year 2013, which ends in October. Next year’s budget proposal is due out on April 10th, and we will be watching to see if it reflects the commitment to Planetary Science so clearly supported by the people and the U.S. Congress. If it doesn’t, we will ask you to help restore funding again. We did it once. We can do it again.

There are worlds crying out for exploration and discovery. Yesterday, we took a step towards answering their call. The Planetary Society will not cease in our efforts to enable one of humanity’s greatest endeavors.



