The space agency’s next major exploration program could last the better part of half a century, too. So we ought to choose wisely. The Moon is closer and offers potential utility as a refueling station in space. Mars harbors more intrigue in the search for life and represents the Solar System’s best bet for a second home. But we’re going nowhere without a final choice—followed by investment and commitment. Absent this from the Trump administration and Congress, NASA will continue to find itself adrift.
In 2004, Bush announced his desire to return to the moon, while the Obama Administration scrapped that and set NASA’s sights on Mars. If this GOP administration flips this again, we may end up going nowhere fast.
It’s easy forget NASA is part of the federal government until something like this comes up.