NASA Plum Brook Receiving Share of $19B
February 10, 2016
By: Andy Ouriel, Sandusky Register
February 10, 2016
NASA’s new operating budget won’t soar to unprecedented heights.
But those working on groundbreaking space projects, including in Erie County, didn’t feel down about the news.
In fact, they seemed pretty thrilled about it.
President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced his support to provide NASA with $19 billion in federal funds for the upcoming budget cycle, spanning from Oct. 1, 2016, through Sept. 30, 2017.
The amount, which Congress must also approve by September, falls just short of the $19.3 billion NASA received in the current yearlong cycle.
From the $19 billion, about $598 million is destined for the NASA Glenn Research Center, a federal space testing facility with campuses in Cleveland and Erie County, known as the Plum Brook Station. NASA’s nine other field centers across the nation will divvy up the leftover $18.4 billion.
The $598 million represents a similar amount to what NASA Glenn has received in recent years.
A reason to celebrate:
Back in December, space industry experts predicted NASA Glenn’s budget would shrink to $520 million because of a Congressional strife.
But the president’s recommended amount suggests otherwise: Many now believe Congress will fully back Obama’s proposal and work to maintain his funding endorsement.
One reason for the optimism: Even with a reported divide, NASA projects often unite both Democrats and Republicans. For instance, the area’s federal representatives — Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo; and Jim Jordan, R-Urbana — both aggressively advocate for Plum Brook.
Funding helps maintain staff, proceed with critical research projects and pursue initiatives revolving around NASA’s mission: space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.
At the local level, $598 million can help ensure Glenn-supervised projects — such as Orion, the manned mission being tested at Plum Brook aiming to carry astronauts into deep space and possibly Mars — march forward.
About 30 high-ranking Glenn officials and special guests visited Plum Brook on Tuesday to watch NASA administrator Charles Bolden, via satellite, present the budget from Virginia.
“We’ll continue to do what it takes to turn science fiction into science fact and make the impossible possible,” Bolden said. “I can state, with confidence, that the state of our NASA is strong.”
Meanwhile at Plum Brook, everyone seemed happy with the announcement, including Glenn’s leader.
“It’s a good day for NASA overall and certainly a good day for NASA Glenn,” said Jim Free, director at NASA Glenn Research Center. He oversees all activity in both Cleveland and at Plum Brook.
Party at Plum Brook:
Each year, Glenn officials treat the budget announcement like it’s their Super Bowl.
All top employees make sure they clear their calendars to watch the presentation. Staff members then plan a soirée of sorts, inviting VIPs and guests. Snacks, beverages and gifts, in the form of NASA-themed gear, are even provided at no cost to all in attendance.
For Glenn employees, the annual celebration always occurred in Cleveland.
But this year they decided to switch up the venue and, for the first time, celebrate in the Sandusky area at Plum Brook. Afterward attendees toured the world-class testing facilities within Plum Brook.
“It’s great to highlight the fact we have the human spaceflight vehicle of the future (Orion) and international partners working on it right here at Plum Brook,” Free said.