NASA

The FY 2007 budget request for NASA totals $16.8 billion, a 1 percent increase from FY 2006. Included in the FY07 request is $5.3 billion for the Science Mission Directorate, an increase of 1.5 percent from FY06. However, funding for Aeronautics Research decreased 18.1 percent, totaling $724.4 million for FY07.



Of the five directorates, the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) would receive the largest increase at $3.98 billion, a 30.4 percent increase from FY06. Three-fourths of the ESMD FY07 budget, $3.06 billion, is requested for the Constellation Systems Program ­- a net increase of 76.4 percent above the program's FY07 appropriation level, which was 1.73 billion. This includes $894.7 million (6.6 percent increase) to develop and implement the Crew Exploration Vehicle, which will replace the Space Shuttle that is due to retire in 2010.



The Human Systems Research and Technology FY07 budget request is $274.6 million, a 56 percent decrease from FY06. Human Systems Research and Technology supports programs to develop and implement technology critical for supporting long-term human survival and performance during space expeditions.



The third and final component of ESMD is Exploration Systems Research & Technology. The budget request includes $646.1 million (6.7 percent decrease) to support four programs:

• Exploration Technology Development Program - program develops key technologies to enable safe, affordable, effective and sustainable human and robotic exploration missions
• Centennial Challenges Program - program establishes purse awards to stimulate innovative technical accomplishments that could advance the state of civil space exploration and aeronautics
• Robotic Lunar Exploration Program - program develops robotic missions to the moon
• Prometheus Power and Propulsion Program - program develops nuclear technologies for power and propulsion

In NASA's new budget structure, the Innovative Partnership Program (IPP) and Education both fall under the newly created $491.7 million Cross-Agency Support Programs budget category. The IPP would receive $197.9 million for FY07, a decrease of 7.9 percent from FY06. IPP activities include Technology Transfer efforts ($35.9 million), the Space Products Development (SPD) program ($14.5 million), and SBIR/STTR programs ($114.9 million). SPD operates through 12 Research Partnership Centers located at universities or nonprofit institutions throughout the country. Education programs would receive $153.3 million, a 0.6 percent decrease from FY06. The University Research Engineering & Technology Institutes program is scheduled to expire in FY07, a $21 million decrease from FY06.