NASA Urged to Increase Funding for Biological and Physical Sciences Research
In a new decadal survey titled “Thriving in Space,” experts recommend that NASA boost its spending on biological and physical sciences (BPS) research by a factor of 10, bringing it back to historical levels. The report asserts that this increase in funding is essential to tackle the ambitious scientific inquiries pertaining to low Earth orbit and beyond.
Currently, NASA’s budget for BPS research stands at $85 million for fiscal year 2023. However, the agency had initially requested $100 million and is currently seeking $96.5 million for 2024. The survey contends that the present funding for BPS research is woefully inadequate when compared to recommended research topics and historical funding levels. In fact, in 1996, the division received an inflation-adjusted sum of nearly $700 million but unfortunately faced severe cuts in the early 2000s.
The proposed spending increase is driven by the science priorities outlined in the decadal survey. These priorities encompass various subjects such as adapting to space, living and traveling in space, and studying phenomena concealed by gravity or terrestrial limitations. Additionally, the report puts forth two specific research campaigns, BliSS and MATRICES, which have the potential to make significant scientific contributions in areas like long-duration spaceflight and manufacturing techniques tailored for space.
A larger budget allocation would also grant the BPS division the ability to handle annual fluctuations in funding effectively and raise the prominence of BPS science within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
The report further emphasizes the need to prioritize BPS science during the forthcoming transition from the International Space Station to commercial space stations, commonly referred to as commercial LEO destinations (CLDs). This prioritization is crucial to avoid a lack of science-oriented design requirements.
NASA is currently reviewing the report and is expected to respond to its recommendations in the following months. A formal response and town hall meeting are anticipated early next year. It remains to be seen whether NASA will act upon the survey’s urging for increased spending on BPS research, but it holds significant potential for advancing our understanding of space and its impacts on biological and physical systems.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”