WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Mission to Modernize Astronautic Resources for Space (MARS) Act, which would improve and modernize Johnson Space Center’s (JSC) infrastructure to prepare National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for human missions to the moon and Mars:

“Throughout history, America has pioneered human space exploration and boldly charted the path into the great unknown,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am proud to lead this legislation to not only send humans back to the moon, but to the next frontier of Mars, where technological advancements and untold scientific discoveries await.”

Background:

The Mission to MARS Act would bolster Johnson Space Center’s human spaceflight infrastructure by:

• Preparing the Neutral Buoyancy Lab for commercial space station training, lunar-suited operations, and collaborations with the Department of Defense;
• Upgrading and repairing the Astromaterials Curation and Research facility for samples from the moon and Mars;
• Modernizing the Mission Control Center to prepare for crewed missions beyond low-Earth orbit;
• Improving Ellington Field astronaut flight training facilities;
• Constructing the space food systems laboratory;
• And refurbishing astronaut training aircraft.

This legislation aligns with Governor Greg Abbott’s Texas Space Commission’s efforts to further cement Texas as a leader in space exploration, and it supports President Trump’s call during his Joint Address to Congress to “conquer the vast frontiers of science” and “lead humanity into space and plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond.” As the space race with China accelerates, we must take steps to strengthen our national security and ensure American ingenuity is not weaponized against us. By staying one step ahead of this adversary in our missions to the moon and Mars, this legislation would help reinforce America’s standing as the preeminent global power in space.