To the Moon and Beyond: Challenges and Opportunities for NASA’s Artemis Program

In just the next few months, multiple critical decisions will affect NASA human exploration plans. The FY21 budget cycle will shape significant aspects of the content and pace of NASA space programs and may make already ambitious exploration timelines unachievable. Even an extended continuing resolution, delaying the start of FY21 budget levels, could put current goals out of reach, as would flat funding levels. The continued effects of the novel coronavirus have already delayed progress on NASA programs in general and devastated the broad economy that furnishes the resources for NASA exploration activities. The outcome of the 2020 election may also affect the direction agencies and departments take from January 2021 onward.

The authors of this paper discuss this topic on the Center for Space Policy and Strategy's #TheSpacePolicyShow episode 40 "Space Agenda 2021 Showcase". Watch the full episode.

Dr. Bukley also shared insights from her policy paper for a brief talk about the path forward for NASA's mission to land the first woman and the next man on the moon. Watch the presentation.