Bill Nelson

STEM is--we've had some discussion here already, extensively, about the importance of STEM.

We have a 6.4 percent increase in the overall NASA budget.

Artemis is the program to go back to the Moon, but that's just--the goal is going to Mars.

Yes, sir, and let me give you another example.

Well, let's be realistic, a lot of people don't know that, for example, what the Source Selection Board, picking out of the existing competitors--NASA had asked for $3.4 billion for that competition.

Absolutely. I go back in my history, I have already recounted for the subcommittee that the first real breakthrough on astronauts in diversifying was the class of 1978.

As a matter of fact, Senator, your bridge is number one on the list and, absolutely.

we must maintain our lead and leadership in space.

It is going to be an exciting time. That is what the Webb Telescope is going to do for us.

It will be interesting to be tuned into that because the primacy of our space program...

There is a robust budget that is proposed in this budget. It is $147 million.

I will tell you, one of the things you could do with this infrastructure bill coming along, we can only squeeze out so much in the President's budget, but you have a wonderful opportunity, as conservative estimate, NASA needs about $5…

What is the value to the United States that we get back to the Moon first?

It does make a difference that they are very technologically advanced.

By the way, once that is up there, this will just blow your mind.

The reason we want to use the Moon in preparation to go to Mars, is that the Moon is 3 days away, and Mars is months and months away.

What it is going to show us is: What did it look like? What was the composition at the very formation of the first galaxies?

Yes, ma'am, we do need to. Competition is good, it brings the best cost and the most efficient route.

Space is hard, and when you develop very sophisticated things often you get delays.

In this budget of the President, there is $227 million there for this project.

The goal is still 2024.

The President's budget is very robust in STEM. It is a significant increase.

Several years ago when Ted Cruz and I were leading the Space Subcommittee of the Commerce Committee, we proposed that the date of 2024 be extended to 2030 for exactly the reasons that you just articulated.

This is very important to the President. It is very important to me.

I am excited about that.