To determine the most important projects in descending order, the National Space Society conducted a survey among its membership that I would like to share with the Subcommittee. Their job was to allocate the funding to programs based on their own priorities. The survey indicates a broad base of support for the space station and the development of space transportation, which the Administration and Congress also advocate. But where the public's wishes and current government policy part is in a national commitment to returning humans to the Moon and sending them for the first time to Mars. Under the Clinton Administration, planning and research for such missions have been reduced to a crawl.
Policy makers are hesitant to support such activities until costs can be reduced dramatically.
But this goal cannot be achieved unless we adequately fund research and development programs. To this end, the National Space Society urges members of the Subcommittee to fully support the development of advanced technologies for exploration. By investing now in research, we can achieve our dreams and affordably send humans to the Moon to establish a permanent outpost. And we can set the stage for a series of international human missions to Mars early in the next century. NASA deserves the full support of Congress.