Planetary Science Caucus
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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 Planetary Science 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.
Planetary Science Caucus Co-Chairs:
- Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28)
- Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02)