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Congress Cuts NASA's Budget On Apollo Anniversary

colonist writes "A House appropriations subcommittee voted to cut NASA's budget request by 7 percent on the 35th anniversary of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon. The panel also cut environment and science programs, but increased funding for veterans' affairs. NASA would get $15.1 billion next year, $229 million below this year and $1.1 billion below the President's request. Most of the cuts are on new initiatives. The subcommittee is the first step of a long budget process and major changes to the bill are expected."

7 of 462 comments (clear)

  1. Apple by yohan1701 · · Score: 2, Funny

    How does this have anything to do with Apple ?. I thought this was Slashdot news from Apple.

  2. Figures by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Until they detect signs of oil on Mars, this trend will unfortunately continue.

  3. Trip to mars by mpupu · · Score: 5, Funny

    In other news, Congress is now sponsoring the "Y-Prize", which awards 1M to the first private spaceship that safely lands on Mars surface.

    They're also outsourcing NASA jobs to India, I guess.

  4. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  5. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  6. Our new vision by 21chrisp · · Score: 2, Funny

    Due to budget cuts, NASA has scaled back it's shuttle replacement program. Snip: 'Our new Space Shuttle design will be based on a modified Geo Metro. We feel using the Metro as a base will increase reliability and safety, while at the same time reducing the cost of production and fuel expenses.'

    Apparantly NASA plans to use the Metro's excellent gas mileage to reduce the cost of orbital flights. When asked why they didn't consider using a hybrid vehicle, NASA replied: 'The cost of development is too high for our budget. Plus, those batteries have to be replaced every 10 years at a cost of $2000 a piece. This is simply out of our price range.'

    Astronauts are furious at the selection, stating the Metro's horrible acceleration and pathetic top speed. 'It used to take us 8 1/2 minutes to achieve orbit, now it's a 12 hour trip' It's not like there are any rest stops on the way. I'm sure they won't be planning any vacations on the moon anytime soon either.

  7. Re:As Neil said by mblase · · Score: 2, Funny

    That's one smaller step for man ...

    Shouldn't it be "That's 93% of a step for one man"?