What Does The Election Mean For NASA?

As another Presidential election draws near, you may be wondering how NASA’s program funding could be affected by whichever party is in power.

Good news: Space programs are one of the few things that both parties are willing to support. Over the last 24 years, congressional allocations to NASA generally increased every year, with the exception of 2009 – 2014 during the Obama administration. Keeping in mind that there was a lull in manned flight during those years following the retirement of the Space Shuttle, it isn’t hard to see why allocations fluctuated a bit during that time period.

Analyzing NASA’s funding from 2000 to 2024 reveals how different administrations have prioritized space exploration and NASA program funding. The following overview details NASA’s budget allocations under both Republican and Democratic leadership during this period.

NASA Funding Overview (2000–2024)

Note: Fiscal years run from October 1 to September 30. For instance, FY 2000 covers October 1, 1999, to September 30, 2000. Transitions between administrations can affect budget allocations.

Key Observations:

• Early 2000s (Bush Administration): Under President George W. Bush, NASA’s budget saw modest increases, reflecting a steady commitment to space exploration. The Vision for Space Exploration, announced in 2004, aimed to return humans to the Moon and eventually to Mars, influencing budget allocations.
• Late 2000s to Early 2010s (Obama Administration): President Barack Obama’s tenure experienced fluctuations in NASA’s budget. The cancellation of the Constellation program in 2010 led to reallocations, with increased emphasis on commercial spaceflight partnerships and Earth science missions.
• Mid to Late 2010s (Trump Administration): President Donald Trump’s administration focused on returning humans to the Moon through the Artemis program, resulting in budget increases to support lunar exploration and the establishment of the U.S. Space Force.
• Early 2020s (Biden Administration): Under President Joe Biden, NASA’s budget continued to grow, emphasizing climate research, Earth science, and sustaining the Artemis program. The FY 2024 budget proposal included $24.875 billion, supporting lunar exploration and climate initiatives.

Approaches to Funding Differ Between Parties

As we have seen, space exploration has historically garnered bipartisan support in the United States, with both the Democratic and Republican parties recognizing its significance. However, their approaches and funding priorities have exhibited differences over time.

Democratic Party’s Stance on Space Exploration

The Democratic Party has consistently endorsed space exploration, emphasizing scientific research and technological innovation. In their 2020 platform, Democrats expressed support for NASA’s endeavors, stating, “Democrats continue to support NASA and are committed to continuing space exploration and discovery.”

This commitment includes backing NASA’s plans to return Americans to the Moon and proceed to Mars, highlighting the importance of scientific and medical research, technological advancement, and educational missions.

Under President Joe Biden’s administration, there has been a focus on integrating space exploration with broader scientific and environmental objectives. The Biden administration proposed a $24.8 billion budget for NASA in 2022, marking a $1.5 billion increase from the previous year. This proposal encompassed funding for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon, and a 12.5% increase for NASA’s Earth Science Division to study and mitigate climate change.

Republican Party’s Stance on Space Exploration

The Republican Party has also demonstrated strong support for space exploration, often emphasizing national security and economic competitiveness. The 2024 Republican platform underscores an aggressive space agenda to counter international competitors, particularly China. It advocates for reaffirming and extending U.S. leadership in space exploration and development, viewing space as a critical arena of international competition and potential conflict.

During the Trump administration, significant initiatives were undertaken to advance space exploration. The establishment of the U.S. Space Force and the directive to return astronauts to the Moon by 2024 were key components of this agenda. The administration’s approach linked space exploration with national security and economic growth, aiming to maintain U.S. dominance in space.

Comparative Analysis

While both parties support space exploration, their priorities and justifications differ. Democrats tend to focus on scientific research, environmental monitoring, and technological innovation. In contrast, Republicans often emphasize national security, economic competitiveness, and countering international rivals.

Funding levels for space exploration have varied under different administrations, influenced by broader budgetary considerations and policy priorities. For instance, the Biden administration proposed increased funding for NASA with a focus on climate research and lunar exploration. Conversely, the Trump administration’s budgets reflected priorities aligned with rapid lunar missions and the establishment of the Space Force.

Public and Congressional Support

Public opinion on space exploration funding shows some partisan differences. A Pew Research Center survey found that Democrats and those leaning Democratic are somewhat more likely than Republicans and Republican leaners to give the government positive ratings on advancing space exploration (58% vs. 45%).

In Congress, support for space exploration often transcends party lines, though debates arise over specific programs and funding levels. For example, in 2021, House Republicans criticized a spending bill they believed inadequately funded NASA, arguing it undermined efforts to return to the Moon.

Short of a seismic shift in public sentiment, both the Democratic and Republican parties are likely to continue funding space programs, albeit with differing emphases. Democrats will likely continue to focus on scientific research and environmental monitoring, while Republicans will prioritize national security and economic competitiveness. The extent and focus of funding, of course, will be influenced by the prevailing administration’s priorities and the broader political and economic context.