1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support a substantial increase in NASA's budget, specifically for the exploration of our solar system beyond the Moon. While lunar missions are important, the true frontiers of discovery lie in the deeper reaches of space. NASA's past missions have consistently demonstrated that space exploration yields unexpected and far-reaching benefits. The Mars rover Perseverance, for instance, was designed for Martian exploration but is now providing valuable data on solar activity as Mars passes behind the sun. This dual-purpose use exemplifies how NASA missions often produce unforeseen scientific dividends. Investing in deep space exploration could lead to groundbreaking discoveries about our solar system's formation, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the fundamental laws of physics. Missions to destinations like Europa, Enceladus, or the Kuiper Belt could revolutionize our understanding of habitability and the origins of life. Moreover, the technological advancements required for these ambitious missions often have practical applications on Earth. Previous NASA innovations have led to improvements in medical imaging, water purification systems, and energy-efficient buildings. By pushing the boundaries of our exploration capabilities, we simultaneously drive innovation in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy. The economic benefits of increased space exploration are also significant. A robust NASA budget creates high-skilled jobs, stimulates the aerospace industry, and often results in commercialization of space technologies, fostering new industries and economic growth. While the Moon remains an important stepping stone, it should not be the end goal. By allocating more resources to missions beyond lunar orbit, we position ourselves to make the next giant leaps in space exploration. These missions could include advanced telescopes to study exoplanets, probes to explore the outer planets and their moons, or even preparations for human missions to Mars. I urge you to advocate for a NASA budget that prioritizes bold, long-term exploration of our solar system. This investment will not only advance our scientific knowledge but also inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring America's continued leadership in space exploration and technological innovation. The discoveries waiting for us in the depths of our solar system have the potential to transform our understanding of the universe and our place within it.