National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) inspires the Nation by sending 

astronauts and robotic missions to explore the solar system, advancing understanding of the 

Earth and space, and developing new technologies and approaches to improve aviation and space 

activities. The 2022 discretionary request invests in developing new technologies to improve the 

Nation’s space and sustainable aviation capabilities; human and robotic exploration of the Moon, 

Mars, and Beyond, including returning Martian rocks and soil to earth; and development of 

Earth-observing satellites that would produce breakthrough science and support the Nation’s 

efforts to address climate change. 

The President’s 2022 discretionary request includes $24.7 billion for NASA, a $1.5 billion 

or 6.3-percent increase from the 2021 enacted level. It: 

 Supports Human Exploration of the Moon, Mars, and Beyond. The discretionary request provides 

$6.9 billion, an increase of $325 million above the 2021 enacted level, for the Artemis program, a 

series of crewed exploration missions to the lunar surface and beyond. This funding supports the 

development of capabilities for sustainable, long duration human exploration beyond Earth, and 

eventually to Mars. 

 Furthers the Robotic Exploration of the Solar System and the Universe. Following the successful 

landing of the Perseverance rover on Mars, the discretionary request funds the Mars Sample Return 

mission, the first mission to transport Martian soil samples back to Earth. The discretionary request 

also supports the Clipper mission to explore Jupiter’s icy moon Europa, the Dragonfly mission to fly a 

drone-like rotorcraft on Saturn’s largest moon Titan, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to 

build on the discoveries of the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. 

 Enhances Research and Development at NASA. The discretionary request increases funding for 

NASA’s Space Technology research and development portfolio to $1.4 billion, a $325 million 

increase above the 2021 enacted level. With this investment, the program would enhance the 

capabilities and reduce the costs of the full range of NASA missions and provide new technologies to 

help the commercial space industry grow. In addition, the discretionary request encourages novel 

early-stage space technology research that would support the development of clean energy. The 

discretionary request also provides $915 million, an increase of $86 million above the 2021 enacted 

level, for Aeronautics research and development that would enhance U.S. competitiveness in the 

global aviation industry that employs hundreds of thousands of Americans. This increased funding 

would broaden and accelerate the testing of technologies that would enable highly efficient, nextgeneration airliners. 

 Advances Climate Science. NASA uses the unique vantage point of space to enhance understanding 

of Earth systems and to observe the effects of climate change. The discretionary request provides $2.3 

billion for Earth Science programs, an increase of $250 million above the 2021 enacted level, to 

initiate the next generation of Earth observing satellites to study pressing climate science questions. 

 Builds a Diverse Future Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 

Workforce. The discretionary request provides a $20 million, or 16 percent, increase for the Office of 

STEM Engagement to expand initiatives to attract and retain underserved and underrepresented 

students in engineering and other STEM fields, in partnership with minority serving institutions and 

other higher education institutions. 

 Continues Research on the International Space Station (ISS). The discretionary request provides 

more than $3 billion to operate the ISS and use it as a research laboratory in space. ISS funding would 

support space station operations, cargo and crew transportation, and research that benefits the 

exploration of space and life on Earth.