PLUTO Act

To advance United States leadership in planetary science and space exploration though education and outreach. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Planetary Leadership Utilizing Teaching and Observations Act PLUTO Act 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Administrator The term Administrator (2) NASA The term NASA 3. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The New Frontiers Program represents a pivotal step in the advancement of solar system exploration. (2) The missions in the program tackle specific solar system exploration goals identified as top priorities by consensus of the planetary community. (3) The New Frontiers strategy is to explore the solar system with frequent, medium-class spacecraft missions that conduct high-quality, focused scientific investigations designed to enhance our understanding of the solar system. (4) The program objective is to launch high-science-return planetary investigations on an average of one every 36 months. (5) Added to the NASA budget for the first time in 2003, New Frontiers builds on the innovative approaches used in NASA's Discovery and Explorer Programs, but provides a mechanism for identifying and selecting missions that cannot be accomplished within the cost and time constraints of Discovery. (6) The New Horizons mission was the first mission launched under the New Frontiers program. (7) The fastest spacecraft ever launched, the New Horizons mission successfully completed the first reconnaissance of the Pluto system. (8) The exploration of outer space and the development of space sciences are in the national interests of the United States. (9) In order to maintain preeminence in space science and exploration, it is imperative that the next generation of explorers is inspired to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). (10) NASA’s science missions make unique contributions to education by sharing the story, the science, and the adventure of NASA’s scientific explorations through public outreach. (11) One to two percent of the cost for each New Frontiers mission is allocated to education and public outreach activities that feature the science of the mission and its discoveries to enhance learning at all levels. (12) Planetary sciences, including the New Horizons mission, inspire students to study science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM). 4. Direction The Administrator shall use observations, measurements, data, and discoveries derived from the New Horizons mission to— (1) enhance public awareness and appreciation for space exploration and engage the public in the process of scientific discovery; (2) communicate the importance of planetary science to students and teachers; (3) advance domestic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education; (4) promote mutually beneficial international scientific partnerships; and (5) facilitate future progress in planetary science.

Summary: Planetary Leadership Utilizing Teaching and Observations Act or the PLUTO Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to use observations, measurements, data, and discoveries derived from the New Horizons mission to: enhance public awareness and appreciation for space exploration and engage the public in the process of scientific discovery; communicate the importance of planetary science to students and teachers; advance domestic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education; promote mutually beneficial international scientific partnerships; and facilitate future progress in planetary science.