Presents Agency Budget In Speech At Kennedy Space Center

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden presented the agency's budget for Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) in a speech Monday afternoon at the Kennedy Space Center.

Standing at a podium in front of three spacecraft, Bolden (pictured) said "I can unequivocally say that the state of NASA is strong."

The $18.5 billion budget presented by Bolden contains funding for ongoing Commercial Crew efforts by Boeing and SpaceX, as well as the 2017 test flight of the Orion capsule. "The mission will test asteroid techniques and may provide information to inform future work to help us protect our home planet," said Bolden.

But also still included is an asteroid redirect mission that is opposed by some on Capitol Hill, including Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) the chair of the House Science Committee.

The budget presentation document posted on the NASA website says the FY16 budget also:

• Provides $18.5 billion to advance the Nation’s space exploration plan and ensure that the United States remains the world's leader in space exploration and scientific discovery for years to come.
• Invests in space technologies that enhance current US space capabilities while improving our ability to access and travel through space; accurately land more mass in more locations throughout the solar system; live and work in deep space and on planetary bodies; and transform the ability to observe the universe and answer profound questions in earth and space sciences.
• Extends operation of the International Space Station (ISS) to at least 2024, providing a unique environment for research on human health and space operations necessary for future long-term human missions, for expanding commercial activity in low Earth orbit, and providing direct benefits to the people of Earth. 
• Funds missions to Mars, Europa, and other destinations throughout the solar system, and supports the Discovery and New Frontiers programs.

"Some have said that NASA is adrift," Bolden said. "If you look at everything I talked about today – at the spacecraft of the future behind me and the concrete plans in development for human and robotic exploration in cis-lunar space and beyond - if you visit our various NASA and commercial manufacturing facilities where work is ongoing for our future ... as I do regularly ... I think you’ll come to a different conclusion. That the idea we’re adrift is an empty hook trying to catch yesterday’s fish. I couldn’t be more excited about our future! We’re making steady progress and continuing to reach for new heights."

(Images from NASA YouTube video)

FMI: NASA Budget Highlights, Full Speech