
Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., introduces Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation confirmation hearing, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Both Kelly and Melroy are former NASA astronauts. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

General William Sherlton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

General William Sherlton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command, delivers his opening statement during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator, third from left, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office, delivers her opening statement during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, listens during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, center, Richard Spinrad to be under secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, right, and Carlos Monje, Jr. nominee to be the next under secretary of Transportation for Policy appear before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, listens as Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

General William Sherlton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command, left; answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

A general view of a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation regarding assured access to space on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator, delivers his opening statement during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Mark Udall, D-CO, asks a question during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, listens as Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., introduces her during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation confirmation hearing, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Both Kelly and Melroy are former NASA astronauts. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

A hearing agenda is seen ahead of Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., listens after introducing Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation confirmation hearing, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Both Kelly and Melroy are former NASA astronauts. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command, second from right, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Howard Mitchell, Vice President of Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation, listens to opening statements during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at the Rand Corporation, delivers her opening statment during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, center, Richard Spinrad to be under secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, left, and Carlos Monje, Jr. nominee to be the next under secretary of Transportation for Policy appear before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., left, and Ranking member Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., right listen as NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled, “Moon to Mars: NASA’s Plans for Deep Space Exploration,” Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquision, TEchnology, and Logitics, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Howard Mitchell, Vice President of Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation, delivers his opening statement during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, asks a question during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Pam Melroy, President Biden’s nominee to be the next deputy administrator of NASA, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Melroy is a former NASA astronaut. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 72 NASA astronauts Suni Williams, left, Don Pettit, Butch Wilmore, and Nick Hague, are seen as acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy delivers remarks during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Attendees view exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Attendees view exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Attendees view exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Attendees view exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Attendees view exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Attendees view exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Attendees view exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Attendees view exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy delivers remarks during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy delivers remarks during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy delivers remarks during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA astronaut Nick Hague speaks with attendees of NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore speaks with attendees of NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA astronaut Suni Williams speaks with attendees of NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Heather Pringle, CEO of Space Foundation, gives remarks during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan., gives remarks during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan., gives remarks during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan., gives remarks during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, left, speaks with NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate speaks with an attendee as he views exhibits during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, center, speaks with Nicola Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, left, and NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA astronaut Don Pettit speaks with Trey Carlson, chief of staff for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, left, John McCullough, deputy associate administrator for integration in NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, and Janet Petro, director of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center during NASA’s Day on the Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)