
U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., questions NASA Administrator Charles Bolden during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla., questions NASA Administrator Charles Bolden during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

View from the witness table in the Russell Senate Office Building prior to the start of a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden as the first witness on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden's cowboy boots are seen as he testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas, confer during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin is seen prior to his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin delivers a statement during testimony in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin smiles during his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin smiles during his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin is seen during his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin smiles during his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin speaks in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin is seen during his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin smiles during his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History and Director, Hayden Planetarium Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testified at the same hearing prior to Tyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History and Director, Hayden Planetarium Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testified at the same hearing prior to Tyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History and Director, Hayden Planetarium Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testified at the same hearing prior to Tyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History and Director, Hayden Planetarium Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testified at the same hearing prior to Tyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History and Director, Hayden Planetarium Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testified at the same hearing prior to Tyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History and Director, Hayden Planetarium Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testified at the same hearing prior to Tyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History and Director, Hayden Planetarium Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden testified at the same hearing prior to Tyson. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas, questions NASA Administrator Charles Bolden during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Senator Trent Lott, R-Miss., questions NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin during his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee hearing on NASA’s budget, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, rear center, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chair Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee questions NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during a hearing on NASA’s budget, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Senator Jerry Moran, D-Kan., questions NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during a Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee hearing on NASA’s budget, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chair Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee questions NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during a hearing on NASA’s budget, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. R-Fla., questions NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin during his appearance in front of the Senate Commerce Committee Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Human Space Flight: The Space Shuttle and Beyond, Wednesday, May 18, 2005, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden's hands and Naval Academy ring are seen as he testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The witness table is seen ahead of NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifing before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., questions NASA Administrator Bill Nelson as he testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. 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)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, rear center, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., testifies before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee during the confirmation hearing of Dr. Michael Griffin, right background, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Griffin currently heads the space department at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. If confirmed by the full U.S. Senate, Dr. Griffin would be NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questions Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next administrator of NASA, right, during a hearing, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-WA, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questions Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next administrator of NASA, during a hearing, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questions Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next administrator of NASA, during a hearing, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chair Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee talks with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson prior to a hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, left, speaks as U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, looks on during the confirmation hearing for Dr. Michael Griffin, in front of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Dr. Michael Griffin testifies, Tuesday, April 12, 2005, during his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. If confirmed, Griffin, who currently heads the space department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory will become NASA's 11th administrator. Photo Credit (NASA/Renee Bouchard)

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Chair Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee talks with National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, left, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson prior to a hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., Chairman of the of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, makes a point during the nomination hearing for Dr. Elizabeth M. Robinson, nominee for Chief Financial Officer for NASA, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

Witness table for NASA Administrator Bill Nelson ahead of him testifying before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, left, testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a hearing titled “Examining NASA’s Budget and Priorities,” Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Shana Dale testifies at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Nov. 1, 2005, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Dale was nominated by President Bush to be the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, left, testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, left, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testify before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson prepares to testify before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson confers with his staff as he testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, left, and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson talk at the conclusion of the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee budget hearing, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson testifies before the Senate Appropriations’ Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee during a budget hearing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)