For decades, industry has lamented NASA’s lack of emphasis on its first “A,” aeronautics. Now, as the agency’s fiscal year 2006 budget request is transmitted to Congress for action, comes evidence that industry was right all along. While space exploration got a boost in funding from $2.684 billion last year to $3.165 billion, the agency’s aeronautics budget has been placed on a descent for the next five fiscal years. NASA is requesting “only” $852.3 million for its aeronautics function in the next fiscal year, which is down from the $906.2 million it was allocated in FY 2005. Of that total, some $193 million is earmarked for aviation safety and security with $200 million slated to be used for ATC research. By FY 2010, the agency’s budget for aeronautics research is slated to decline to $717.6 million.
NASA Budget Cuts Aeronautics
Key Takeaways:
- NASA's FY2006 budget request proposes a significant decrease in funding for aeronautics, dropping from $906.2 million in FY2005 to $852.3 million.
- The agency projects a continued decline in the aeronautics budget, reaching $717.6 million by FY2010.
- Conversely, funding for space exploration saw an increase, boosted from $2.684 billion in FY2005 to $3.165 billion for FY2006.
- Specific allocations within the aeronautics budget for FY2006 include $193 million for aviation safety and security, and $200 million for ATC research.
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